Phymata crassipes

Adults of Phymata crassipes can reach a length of about 7–9 mm. The body appear ornamented with some extrusions. Their triangular scutellum is shorter than a pronotum without prominent tubercles. They possess functional wings. They have clubbed antennae and enlarged fore femora and abdomen. The edge of the abdomen expands beyond the edges of the wings. Beautifully camouflaged, they capture their prey using their raptorial fore legs. The basic body color is dark reddish-brown in males, while females are lighter yellow-brown. Moreover, in the males the antennae terminate with a cylindrical joint, thicker and longer than all other segments, while the females antennae are terminated by a more clavate joint, not as long as the preceding ones. This species is rather similar to Phymata monstrosa, present in South West Europe, that shows small bumps on the femora of the median and hind legs.

This species is widespread in the Palearctic realm. It can be found in the Mediterranean, North Africa, Central Europe eastward to Korea, north of China and Siberia. It is not present in the north-west of Europe and in the Britain Islands.