Pennsylvania Ambush Bug vs Big-legged Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pennsylvania Ambush Bug | Big-legged Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymata pennsylvanica | Acanthocephala terminalis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Coreidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 17-23 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pennsylvania Ambush Bug
A small chunky yellow and brown bug with thickened raptorial forelegs that hides in flower heads to ambush pollinators. It can capture prey many times its own size.
Did You Know?
It can capture and kill bumble bees and butterflies that are more than ten times its own weight.
Big-legged Bug
A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.
Did You Know?
The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.