Figure 159. 



HOW TO KNOW THE INSEQS 



Fig. 159. Phymata erosa fasclata (Gray) 



Yellow or greenish yellow marked as shown, 

 pale to reddish brown; legs not annulated. 

 Length 9-12 mm. 



These Ambush bugs lie In wait in the 

 flowers of the Compo sitae and other plants 

 for Insect visitors. They are so shaped 

 and colored as to blend Into their surround- 

 ings and to be quite Inconspicuous. The 

 front legs, with large spine-covered femora, 

 are adapted for catching and holding their 

 Insect prey. They are very common In the 

 fall. The species figured Is one of the 

 most common. 



14b Front femora not as in 14a 



15a Body much flattened and thin for living 

 Flat Bugs). See Fig. 154. 



. . . 15 



(The 

 ARADIOAE 



under bark. 

 Fami ly 5, 



The Flat Bugs all have a four-;]olnted beak but In 

 some the beak Is apparently three-jointed; accord- 

 ingly the family Is repeated here. 

 15b Body not very thin; front legs for catching prey but much 

 less than half as wide as long. Antenna filiform at tip. 

 (The Assassin Bugs). Fig. 160. Family 12, REDUVIIDAE 



Fig. 160. Reduvlus personatus (L.) 



Blackish brown; the knees, tarsi and apical 

 half of the tibia paler. Known as the "masked 

 bed-bug hunter" or "kissing bug." Some contend 

 that the latter name belongs to a similar but 

 blacker species (Melanolestes plclpes . Both 

 species may bite painfully If handled carelessly. 

 They are frequently seen at lights. Length 17-20 

 mm. (From U.S.D.A.) 



The bloodthirsty pirates composing this family 

 live for the most part by catching and sucking 

 Figure 160. the blood of other insects. Some attack man or 



other mammals. There are many species which vary 

 widely in size and form. The thread-legged bug; long and slim 

 and somewhat resembling a walking-stick, belongs here. 



16a Hind tarsi with claws, front legs for catching prey. . . 17 

 16b Hind tarsi without distinct claws, front legs not 



especially modified for catching prey 18 



17a Hind legs flattened for swimming. Large oval insects. 



(The Giant Water Bugs) Fig. 161. 



Family 30, BELOSTOMIDAE 



81 



