South American Lanternfly vs Pennsylvania Ambush Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Lanternfly | Pennsylvania Ambush Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Enchophora sanguinea | Phymata pennsylvanica |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Fulgoridae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) | Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South American Lanternfly
A bright red and black fulgorid planthopper with a moderately elongated head process. It feeds on tree sap in tropical forests and is most active at night. When disturbed, it reveals hindwings with dark eyespot patterns.
Did You Know?
Despite the name lanternfly, neither this species nor any other fulgorid actually produces light.
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.