Okay, this is just plain awesome! This is a Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata erosa) feeding on a Cabbage White Butterfly (formerly Pieris rapae)! COOL! It's pretty obvious how these guys get their name. They hide well in flowers to pounce upon unsuspecting buttterflies and bees. One characteristic of the Order Hemiptera is "piercing-sucking" mouthparts. This Ambush Bug has pierced its mouthparts into the side of the butterfly's thorax and is sucking out its guts!
all images property of BUGMAN Educational Entoprises
all rights reserved - do not use without permission
© 2000