Jagged Ambush Bug
Description: These insects are excellent at camouflaging themselves against flowers. They can be green or yellow with many a combination thereof. They have a telltale sharp look to their body and strong forearms. Winged adults fly well, but similar looking nymphs are unable to fly.
Habitat: Their two favorite flowers are goldenrod and wild carrot, but ox-eye daisy, yarrow, black-eyed susan and flea bane are also well liked. Occasionally individuals are seen on vegetation and tend to have a green hue.
Diet: Jagged Ambush bugs are small but can take prey much larger than themselves. They owe this to their toxic saliva that brings about paralysis in their insect prey. Prey includes flower visiting species such as flies, bees, moths, butterflies and wasps.
Notes: Although their main prey is pollinators, they are not harmful to normal populations. This is because no specific species is targeted and they are a native species, hunting native pollinators.
Defenses: Camouflage is the first line of defense but they can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly.
Habitat: Their two favorite flowers are goldenrod and wild carrot, but ox-eye daisy, yarrow, black-eyed susan and flea bane are also well liked. Occasionally individuals are seen on vegetation and tend to have a green hue.
Diet: Jagged Ambush bugs are small but can take prey much larger than themselves. They owe this to their toxic saliva that brings about paralysis in their insect prey. Prey includes flower visiting species such as flies, bees, moths, butterflies and wasps.
Notes: Although their main prey is pollinators, they are not harmful to normal populations. This is because no specific species is targeted and they are a native species, hunting native pollinators.
Defenses: Camouflage is the first line of defense but they can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly.