'' Phymatinae are long. The most distinguishable trait of this group is the presence of pronounced raptorial forelegs. In
Phymata, the
scutellum is triangular and shorter than the
pronotum. In
Macrocephalus, the scutellum is narrow and rounded, extending to the tip of the
abdomen. Phymatinae normally have a large fore
femur and clubbed
antennae. The
forewing membranes sometimes lack distinct
cells. The antennae have four segments. There are two
ocelli. The
beak has three segments. The
tarsi also have three segments. The rear half of the
abdomen expands beyond the edges of the wings. Compared to classic assassin bugs, ambush bugs are shorter, stouter, more colorful, and have larger heads in proportion to their bodies. It is hypothesized that the coloration of these insects is an adaptation to allow them to camouflage within their environment, specifically an evolutionary effort to blend in with the flowers of their host plant. Ambush bugs can be found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions all over the world, excluding Australia and New Zealand. ==Etymology==