Jagged Ambush Bug

[Trent Watts]

While looking for interesting pollinators on sunflowers in the Community Garden I came across this unusual insect. I had only ever photographed one before and that was in another province.

It is a member of the Jagged Ambush Bugs. One notable feature is their rather massive front legs that are used for grabbing insects and subsequently injecting them with enzymes that dissolve their insides and then they suck out the juices.

Note the massive front legs.

On another scale it reminded me of a triceratops!

 

[AlanLichty]

Its mother probably thinks it's pretty. The head on shot is the one that seems most interesting to me since it shows off the shapes of its head much better than the top down view in #1. Kinda makes me glad I'm not small enough to have this view of its face.

 

[Trent Watts]

Its mother probably thinks it's pretty. The head on shot is the one that seems most interesting to me since it shows off the shapes of its head much better than the top down view in #1. Kinda makes me glad I'm not small enough to have this view of its face.

Thanks Alan. I agree the dorsal view is often not as interesting. I always try and get this view as the experts always ask for that to be able to give an ID. The head shots with eyes in focus are much more interesting.

 

[Michael13]

The head shots with eyes in focus are much more interesting.

And much more scary!