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Phymata faciata (family Phymatidae)
A small family of odd shaped insects, usually 3/8 inch or less in length. They are slow-moving predators on other insects, their fore legs modified a powerful grasping organs. As their popular name suggests, these insects, whose spiny armor, color patterns, and body outlines do camouflage them (this one was on a Golden rod seed pod and looked just like the pod), lie in wait on flowers and foliage for their prey, which they seize, pierce with their beaks, and drain of body juices.
One or more of the 3 subspecies of this insect occurs in almost every part of the US with the exception of California. They are not especially numerous.
Spotted on Oct 3, 2014
Submitted on Oct 3, 2014
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