[5] These four subspecies belong to the species Phymata americana: Data sources: i = ITIS,[1] c = Catalogue of Life,[2] g = GBIF,[3] b = Bugguide.net[4] Phymata americana are found in open fields of flowering plants near rural forest edges, farms, and urban areas.

[5] Phymata americana feed on a wide variety of prey, most often including small bees, moths, and flies.

[8][9] As their common name suggests, P. americana are sit-and-wait ambush predators, resting on flower heads where they grab visiting insects with large raptorial foreleg weapons.

[13] Additionally, the degree of coloration is condition dependent, with increased food availability resulting in darker males and females.

[11][13][14] However, darker coloration in males is less advantageous under hotter environmental conditions because it can increase heat stress.