CLOSED: Unkown insect with terrifying death grip on my bee

Lexington, MA

I will really appreciate it if someone can help me identify this insect. I have tried searching through the usual lists, but have failed. I found this insect near my bee hive (in Massachusetts), strongly grasping one of my poor bees that was very near death. I initially thought that it was some sort of mantis (maybe a baby one?) but have not been able to confirm that. When I picked it up, it was extremely chill and not frightened at all. It is a very beautiful insect and I was really hoping to learn more about it. Thanks again

Thumbnail by somde Thumbnail by somde
Minot, ND

It's a peculiar type of assassin bug in the subfamily Phymatinae known as an ambush bug - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phymatinae

Lexington, MA

Thanks!

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP