Why Ambush Bugs Are A Benificial Insects To Have In You Garden

Have you ever heard of ambush bugs? They are often confused with assassin bugs. But they are a stockier bug than the assassin bug.

The colors of bugs are orange, red or yellow. The bug has thick front legs used to snatch their prey. The ambush bug has a much shorter, less narrow head than the assassination bug.

The insect is in the order Hemiptera. This order includes leaf-footed and stink bugs. The insects in this order have a few similarities.

They have mouths that pierce and suck. The wings are thin and the ends are clear. The family of these bugs is Reuviidae.

The insect is really a kind of assassin bug but with a few different aspects. Both of these bugs have a metamorphosis they grow through.

The eggs are laid on leaves of plants and stems. When they hatch they have no wings. The will molt approximately four times before they are full grown.

The mouth of this bug as with the assassin bug is shaped like a spike that is plunged into the body of the prey it catches. The "proboscis" is used to jab the victim.

The saliva then dissolves the insides of the insect it has caught. Once it is turned to liquid, this is sucked from the insect much like we might use a straw.

The bug's saliva is able to paralyze the food prey so the ambush bug can feed without having to hold tightly to its dinner.

The beneficial insects lies in wait for their victims, hence the name. Usually this involves hanging out on flowers waiting for the unsuspecting victim to come along.

The ambush bug can fly but not very well. They often fall victim themselves to other predatory bugs such as praying mantis, spiders and even their own kind. They are also eaten by rodents and birds at times.

Most people consider this a beneficial insect since they kill other pests in the area. Adult ambush bugs are usually ½ inch long or less.

They can however, capture insects larger than themselves such as bumble bees. The area they like the most is goldenrod. This allows them the advantage of being hidden.

There has been some evidence of the bugs in this particular family biting humans. However, this is a rare instance and may have happened if their natural habitat was interfered with - such as disturbing the plants they are resting on while waiting for their natural prey.

One of the defense mechanisms of these beneficial insects is due to their 'family' relationship with stink bugs. This allows them to have body fluids that are very nasty tasting which protects them from predators of their own.

The U.S. is home to many species in this family of insects. They are normally found in gardens but will come into your home if they can find a way. This is why it is important to close up all holes and openings large enough for even a small insect to enter. Top of ambush bugs page

Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phymatinae#References

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