2307_2053 Jagged Ambush Bug

I was about to post a Garden Spider with grasshopper prey, then realized it was already in my 'stream... glad I caught it... I'm redundant enough as is.

 

So, rebounding now with this Jagged Ambush Bug on a thistle. The flower head was only an inch and a half in diameter - maybe slightly less - so you see how small these predatory insects are. They lie in wait until an unwary hoverfly or some other hapless, flower-loving insect lands close enough to snatch. Then, like the true bugs they are, they use piercing mouth parts to penetrate their prey, paralyze it and suck the juices out.

 

Ambush bugs are renowned for using their excellent camouflage to catch prey; perhaps this one should try hiding on a yellow flower.

 

I'm taking tomorrow off to tend to various matters; see you all on Thursday with the start of a new image set!

 

Photographed in Rosefield, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2023 James R. Page - all rights reserved.

 

Done