Pennsylvania Ambush Bug vs Seven-spotted Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pennsylvania Ambush Bug | Seven-spotted Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymata pennsylvanica | Hippodamia variegata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Seven-spotted Ladybird
A small, variably marked ladybird that is an important predator of aphids in agricultural settings. Often found in open, dry habitats. Less well-known than the common seven-spot.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.