Key Features
- Mottled body color
- Stout front legs
Symptoms
Ambush bugs are predatory insects that get their name from how they hunt for pests on flowers and leaves. These insects are mottled in color so they can blend in with the flower or plant background on which they sit and wait for prey. When an unsuspecting insect walks or flies near, the ambush bug springs into action by grabbing its prey and spearing it with its sharp beak. Ambush bugs are especially common on flowers.
Biology
There are many species of ambush bugs. Each has a spear-like mouth tucked under their head that can be flipped forward to pierce the body of its prey and inject it with digestive enzymes. After the contents of its prey have been liquified, the ambush bug uses this spear-like mouth as a straw to suck out its insides. Eggs are laid in clusters that are stuck to leaves or flower buds. Nymphs hatch out of the eggs and begin preying upon other insects. The nymphal stage superficially resembles the adult stage, but is smaller in size and lacks functional wings.
Management Recommendations
Ambush bugs are beneficial insects that eat pests. They should not be killed.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this pest.
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
