Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Stink bug

Stink bugs are true in the family (order ), characterized by their distinctive shield-shaped bodies, five-segmented antennae, three-segmented tarsi, and a large triangular scutellum that covers much of the . These , typically ranging from 5 to 25 mm in length, derive their common name from specialized glands that release a pungent, foul-smelling chemical—primarily aldehydes and other volatile compounds—as a defense mechanism against predators when disturbed or threatened. The family encompasses over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide across diverse habitats, from tropical to temperate regions. Most stink bugs are herbivorous, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap from fruits, seeds, stems, and leaves, which can cause significant damage to crops such as soybeans, corn, fruits, and vegetables. Notable pest species include the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), an invasive species originating from East Asia that has spread across North America and Europe since the 1990s, leading to significant agricultural losses, such as over $37 million to apple crops in the mid-Atlantic United States in 2010. However, some species within the subfamily Asopinae are predatory, feeding on other insects like caterpillars and beetle larvae, thereby providing natural pest control in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Stink bugs undergo incomplete , with eggs hatching into nymphs that resemble wingless adults and pass through five instars before molting into winged adults. Adults often overwinter in protected sites such as leaf litter or buildings, emerging in to feed and reproduce, with one to two generations per year depending on and . Their economic and ecological impacts have prompted extensive research into strategies, including biological controls like parasitic wasps and cultural practices to reduce crop damage.

Taxonomy

Classification

Stink bugs are classified within the family , established by in 1815, belonging to the order , suborder , infraorder , and superfamily . This family represents one of the largest groups of true bugs, characterized by their hemipteran mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking, and a body plan typical of the suborder. Key diagnostic traits of Pentatomidae include five-segmented antennae, three-segmented tarsi on each leg, a large triangular scutellum that covers much of the abdomen but not the entire wing tips, and the presence of metathoracic that enable the release of a foul-smelling defensive when disturbed. These features distinguish them from other hemipterans, with the shield-like body form and odoriferous secretions being particularly emblematic of the family's protective adaptations against predators. The family encompasses approximately 940 genera distributed across about 10 subfamilies, with Pentatominae being the largest and primarily phytophagous, Asopinae comprising predatory species that feed on other insects, and smaller subfamilies such as Aphylinae featuring specialized forms with reduced structures. Pentatomidae are differentiated from related families within , such as (jewel bugs), by their scutellum not fully covering the abdomen and a less convex, more elongate body shape, and from (giant stink bugs) by their generally smaller size and less robust thoracic scent gland placement.

Diversity and distribution

The family encompasses over 5,000 described species distributed across approximately 900 genera, rendering it the largest family within the superfamily . This substantial diversity reflects the family's adaptability to varied ecological niches, with subfamilies such as Pentatominae and Asopinae contributing significantly to the total count. Pentatomids are cosmopolitan in distribution, occurring on all continents except , though their abundance and peak in tropical and subtropical zones. Regions like , , and the host the majority of species, where environmental conditions favor high and . For instance, the Neotropical region alone supports over 1,400 species, with exhibiting particularly elevated richness exceeding 1,000 species, many endemic to local habitats. A prominent example of range expansion involves the ( halys), native to , which was inadvertently introduced to in the mid-1990s, with the first confirmed detection in in 1998. By the 2020s, this had established populations in over 40 U.S. states and spread across much of eastern and western . Concurrently, it invaded starting in the early , becoming widespread by the 2020s in countries including , , and .

Description

Morphology

Stink bugs, belonging to the family , exhibit a characteristic shield-shaped body, known as the pentatomid form, which is broadly oval or pentagonal in outline. This body structure features hemelytra, the forewings that are partially hardened at the base (corium) and membranous at the tip, which overlap and cover the hindwings when at rest. A prominent triangular scutellum, a shield-like plate arising from the , extends backward and often reaches or nearly covers the abdominal apex, contributing to the overall shield appearance. The head is relatively small and triangular, equipped with compound eyes laterally and three simple eyes, or ocelli, positioned in a triangular arrangement between the compound eyes and the front of the head. The mouthparts consist of a segmented rostrum, a beak-like structure adapted for piercing and sucking, typically four-segmented and used to penetrate plant tissues or prey. Antennae are filiform and five-segmented, arising from the sides of the head. The is divided into three segments: the with a collar-like pronotum, the mesothorax bearing the forewings, and the metathorax with the hindwings. Three pairs of legs are present, all similar in structure and adapted for walking and climbing on , with three-segmented tarsi and tibiae lacking dense hairs. The is flattened and segmented, with seven visible sternites (II–VIII) in both sexes, and spiracles along the sides. is evident in the genital sternites. Paired are located on the ventral side of the (metathoracic glands) and (dorsal abdominal glands), which release defensive aldehydes such as trans-2-hexenal and trans-2-octenal when the is disturbed. Stink bugs typically measure 5 to 25 mm in length, though some relatives in the superfamily , like those in , can reach up to 30 mm.

Coloration and variation

Stink bugs in the family exhibit a wide range of coloration, typically featuring , brown, or metallic hues that aid in against plant backgrounds. For instance, the southern () displays a uniform dull light-green body, while the ( halys) has a mottled brown dorsal surface with alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and abdomen edges for disruptive patterning. Some species in subfamilies like Pentatominae show metallic green or blue tinges on the ventral side, enhancing their cryptic appearance in foliage. Patterns such as spots, stripes, or marbling are common, varying by species to blend with habitats, as seen in the charcoal-gray or burgundy variants of certain western U.S. stink bugs. Sexual dimorphism in stink bugs primarily manifests in size and body proportions rather than stark color differences, though subtle genetic influences on pigmentation exist in some species. Males are generally smaller than females, with more prominent external genitalia visible on the underside, while females possess broader abdomens to accommodate egg development. In N. viridula, coloration is partially controlled by a sex-linked , where an orange is recessive to the dominant green, potentially leading to minor hue variations between sexes in polymorphic populations. Intraspecific variation is pronounced across life stages and seasons, reflecting developmental and environmental adaptations. Nymphs often display brighter, contrasting colors than adults, such as the yellowish-orange to brown first instars of N. viridula, progressing to black-headed, reddish-black forms in second and third instars, and eventually green in later stages. These vivid patterns, including red, , black, and white markings in various species, serve as warning signals during vulnerable early development. Adult coloration can shift seasonally; for example, N. viridula females turn from green in summer to reddish-brown during winter for better concealment in overwintering sites. Polymorphisms, such as the nine known color morphs in N. viridula, are genetically based and include or mixed green-orange forms. Certain stink bug species employ aposematic coloration—bold contrasts like black and orange in nymphs or metallic highlights in adults—as a to predators, signaling their defensive odor secretions and deterring attacks. This strategy can involve , where multiple defended species share similar bright patterns to reinforce predator learning and avoidance.

Biology

Life cycle

Stink bugs, members of the family in the order , undergo hemimetabolous (incomplete) , characterized by three main life stages: , , and , without a pupal stage. Development proceeds through five nymphal s, with each instar separated by a molt, allowing gradual changes in form and function. The total from to typically spans 4 to 8 weeks, varying by and environmental conditions such as temperature, which accelerates development in warmer conditions. The stage begins with females laying barrel-shaped , often in clusters of 20 to 30 (though numbers can range up to 130 in some species like the southern green stink bug), typically on the undersides of leaves or in . These are pale and measure about 1 mm in length, with an incubation period of 5 to 10 days in summer conditions, though it may extend to 2 to 3 weeks in cooler spring or fall temperatures. Upon hatching, the first-instar nymphs emerge and remain aggregated near the empty mass. Nymphal stages dominate the post-hatching development, with five progressively larger s that resemble wingless, scaled-down versions of adults. Early instars (first and second) are gregarious, clustering together for protection, and the first instar lasts about 3 days without feeding, relying on reserves from the . As nymphs advance through subsequent instars, pads become visible on the starting in the third or fourth stage, and body coloration shifts from dark reds and blacks in early nymphs to greens or browns in later ones, depending on the . The nymphal period collectively requires 4 to 6 weeks, with each instar duration increasing slightly (e.g., 3 to 8 days per instar in the southern green stink bug), influenced by temperature. Adults emerge after the final molt, fully winged and capable of flight, with a lifespan of 2 to 6 months under optimal conditions. In temperate regions, adults enter diapause—a dormant state triggered by shortening day lengths—and overwinter under leaf litter, tree bark, or other sheltered ground cover, resuming activity in spring as temperatures rise. This overwintering strategy allows a single or partial second generation per year in many species.

Reproduction and behavior

Stink bugs exhibit complex mating behaviors primarily mediated by chemical pheromones produced by males, which serve as both sex and aggregation signals to attract females, other males, and even nymphs. In species such as the (Halyomorpha halys), males release a blend including methyl (E)-2-decenoate, (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, and methyl (E)-2-octenoate, facilitating mate location over distances. Multiple matings are common in both sexes, with females often copulating with several males consecutively to enhance , as observed in Euschistus heros where repeated matings increase egg production compared to single pairings. Parental care in stink bugs varies by species, and in some species involves females guarding egg masses and early instar nymphs to protect against predators. Aggregation pheromones further support clustering of nymphs for protection against predators and environmental stresses. General behaviors in stink bugs include a mix of diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns, with many species foraging and mating during daylight hours but showing increased movement at night, particularly in Nezara viridula where feeding activities peak in both periods. Communication often involves vibratory signaling, producing low-frequency signals through body tremulation or abdominal movements to convey mating readiness or territorial warnings, as in Euschistus heros where these signals enable duets between sexes. Adult dispersal is facilitated by strong flight capabilities, allowing individuals to cover distances exceeding one mile in search of food or mates, with Halyomorpha halys adults exhibiting directed flights influenced by environmental cues. Sociality in stink bugs is stage-specific, with nymphs displaying gregarious tendencies for mutual against predators and environmental stresses, often forming dense clusters responsive to aggregation pheromones. In contrast, adults are largely solitary during active seasons, focusing on individual and , though they aggregate in at overwintering sites such as buildings or for shelter during colder months.

Ecology

Habitat preferences

Stink bugs, belonging to the family , inhabit a diverse array of environments ranging from temperate to tropical regions, with preferences for semi-natural and agricultural landscapes. They are commonly found in forests, dry grasslands, fields, and orchards, where semi-natural habitats such as woodlands and grasslands support higher population abundances compared to intensively cropped areas. Fields bordering wooded edges, other crops, or built structures exhibit elevated stink bug densities, reflecting their affinity for transitional zones that offer shelter and proximity to resources. Within these environments, stink bugs select specific microhabitats for different life stages, particularly seeking protected sites for overwintering. Adults often in leaf litter, under loose , or within standing dead trees and other natural shelters during colder months, preferring leaf litter over exposed to buffer against low temperatures. Phytophagous on host plants during active periods, while induces clustering in concealed spots to conserve energy. These choices enhance survival by mitigating environmental stressors like and frost. Climate plays a pivotal role in stink bug habitat selection, with thriving in warm, humid conditions that facilitate and . For many temperate , optimal temperatures for growth and oviposition range from 25°C to 30°C, while hotter, drier climates limit survival and range expansion due to increased risks. Seasonal migrations occur in temperate zones, with adults moving to overwintering sites in autumn and dispersing to warmer, vegetated areas in , aligning activity with favorable thermal regimes. The invasive (Halyomorpha halys) demonstrates notable adaptations that broaden its habitat tolerance beyond native preferences. In non-native regions, it exploits urban and peri-urban areas, including homes, garages, and greenhouses, for overwintering, enabling persistence in cooler climates where natural shelters alone might be insufficient. This behavioral flexibility, coupled with aggregation in man-made structures, supports year-round populations and facilitates rapid invasion into new agricultural edges and built environments.

Diet and feeding habits

Stink bugs (family ) primarily employ a piercing-sucking feeding mechanism facilitated by their elongated rostrum, which houses four stylets: two mandibular and two maxillary. These stylets are inserted into host tissues, where the bugs inject containing hydrolytic enzymes that liquefy plant cells or prey contents, allowing the extraction of nutrients through suction. This process enables efficient feeding in phytophagous or predation in others, with the often acting as a digestive rather than a simple lubricant. The vast majority of Pentatomidae species, primarily in subfamilies like Pentatominae, are herbivorous, targeting a wide range of materials including fruits, seeds, stems, and sap from both wild and cultivated hosts such as soybeans, apples, and various . These polyphagous feeders exhibit host-switching behaviors, adapting to seasonal availability and contributing to their ecological versatility as generalist herbivores. In contrast, the subfamily Asopinae comprises predatory species that primarily consume soft-bodied arthropods, such as lepidopteran caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other insect pests, using similar salivary injection to paralyze and externally digest prey. Some species display omnivorous tendencies, opportunistically incorporating both plant and animal matter into their diet depending on resource abundance. Feeding by phytophagous stink bugs inflicts damage through salivary enzymes and potential phytotoxins that disrupt cellular integrity, inducing localized , , and structural deformities in host . For instance, insertion sites on developing fruits often result in characteristic malformations known as cat-facing, where scarred, dimpled areas form due to halted growth and around the puncture. Predatory similarly deploy to immobilize victims, but their ecological role focuses on consumption rather than plant harm. When threatened during feeding or handling, stink bugs deploy defensive secretions from specialized metathoracic glands, releasing volatile compounds like aldehydes and hydrocarbons that produce a pungent to repel attackers and protect the . These chemicals, while not directly tied to the feeding process, enhance survival in foraging contexts by deterring interference.

Human interactions

Agricultural pests

Stink bugs, particularly species in the family , pose significant threats to worldwide, with several acting as major pests that damage a variety of crops through direct feeding and indirect . The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula, is a prominent example, inflicting economic injury on by feeding on developing bolls, which leads to lint staining, reduced fiber quality, and boll shedding. This species also targets , where its feeding punctures can cause discolored grains and yield losses confined to patches of fields, sometimes spanning several acres. Similarly, the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, has devastated fruit orchards in the United States, causing over $37 million in losses to apple crops alone in the Mid-Atlantic region during the 2010 outbreak, with some peach growers experiencing up to 90% crop failure due to feeding damage that results in corky, deformed . The invasive Halyomorpha halys exemplifies the rapid spread of stink bugs as agricultural threats, first detected in the United States from a 1998 specimen collected in , and subsequently identified in 2001. By 2023, it had been detected in 47 states, with established populations in 31 states, severely impacting Mid-Atlantic farms where high densities overwhelmed specialty crop production, leading to widespread economic disruption in fruit, vegetable, and sectors. This expansion has amplified losses, with the pest's polyphagous feeding habits exacerbating vulnerabilities in diverse agricultural systems. Stink bug feeding mechanisms contribute to yield reductions typically ranging from 10% to 30% in affected crops, as their piercing-sucking mouthparts inject salivary enzymes that disrupt plant tissues, causing , aborted fruits, and diminished seed quality. Beyond direct damage, these insects transmit plant pathogens, including yeasts such as Eremothecium coryli, which contaminate fruits and vegetables during feeding, leading to spoilage, internal rots, and further market losses. Globally, species like the painted bug Bagrada hilaris, native to eastern and and , have invaded new agricultural areas, attacking cole crops such as and , with rapid range expansions threatening over 300,000 km² of cropland in alone. is facilitating further invasions by shifting suitable habitats, potentially expanding B. hilaris distributions into temperate regions of Europe, , and beyond, intensifying pressures on global food production.

Beneficial roles and control methods

Certain species of stink bugs serve beneficial roles in agriculture and ecosystems by acting as predators of other insect pests. For instance, Podisus maculiventris, known as the spined soldier bug, preys on a wide range of crop-damaging insects, including the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) eggs and early instars, making it a valuable agent in biological control programs. Predatory stink bugs like Podisus species target notorious pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, contributing to natural pest suppression in diverse habitats. In some cultural contexts, stink bugs are harvested as . In , particularly in the Taxco region of state, small stink bugs referred to as —often from species in the genus —have been consumed since pre-Columbian times as a snack, seasoning, or purported and medicinal item, prized for their anise-like when eaten live or toasted. These insects are collected from oak trees and incorporated into salsas or tortillas, highlighting their role in traditional . Control of pestiferous stink bugs relies on (IPM) strategies that combine multiple approaches to minimize reliance on chemicals. Pheromone-baited traps are a key monitoring and mass-trapping tool, with provisional thresholds guiding applications in crops like apples to enhance overall efficacy. Insecticides such as neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and organophosphates remain widely used for direct control, though resistance has emerged in populations since the , complicating management. Biological controls leverage natural enemies, notably the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus), a introduced in the United States starting in 2019 to target H. halys. This tiny wasp can parasitize up to 80% of stink bug eggs in native ranges by laying eggs inside them, leading to host death, and field releases have shown establishment and recapture in release sites by 2020. Studies indicate minimal non-target impacts on native stink bug species, supporting its safety in IPM. Recent research post-2020 has explored advanced methods like (RNAi)-based sprays for targeted in stink bugs. For example, dsRNA delivery via injection or feeding has induced knockdown of genes like in the southern green stink bug (), demonstrating potential for non-lethal markers and sustainable control in systems. Similarly, trials of the (SIT) involve irradiating males to reduce fertility, with studies on species like the ( halys) and Bagrada stink bug (Bagrada hilaris) showing maintained mating competitiveness at doses around 80 Gy, offering promise for area-wide suppression. Cultural controls, such as and habitat manipulation, disrupt stink bug life cycles by eliminating overwintering hosts like weeds (e.g., and mustards). These practices, integrated with to remove , reduce population buildup without chemicals. Challenges in stink bug control include the difficulty of targeting overwintering aggregations in sites like voids or structures, where residual pheromones attract returnees and chemical treatments often fail. Broad-spectrum insecticides pose non-target risks to beneficial , while introduced agents like T. japonicus require ongoing monitoring to avoid unintended ecological effects.

References

  1. [1]
    Family Pentatomidae – ENT 425 – General Entomology
    Spot ID Key Characters: · Five-segmented antennae · Three-segmented tarsi · Large triangular scutellum in center of back · Shield-shaped body ...
  2. [2]
    Stink Bugs - UC IPM
    These sucking insects (family Pentatomidae) are shield shaped. Their common name is because when disturbed they can excrete fluid with an unpleasant odor.
  3. [3]
    Stink Bugs - University of Kentucky
    Jul 9, 2010 · Stink bugs, or pentatomids, are Hemiptera with broad, shield-shaped bodies, 5-segmented antennae, and a large scutellum. They secrete a bad- ...
  4. [4]
    EENY016/IN142: Southern Green Stink Bug, Nezara viridula ...
    Small black dots can be found along the sides of the abdomen. The wings completely cover the abdomen. The males average 12.1 mm (~½ in) in length and females ...
  5. [5]
    Number of Genera & Species - North Dakota State University
    Number of Genera & Species of Pentatomidae. Taxa. Genera. Species. Aphylinae, 2, 3. Asopinae, 66, 299. Cyrtocorinae, 4, 11. Discocephalinae, 80, 303. Edessinae ...
  6. [6]
    [PDF] STINK BUGS - Agronomic Crops Insects - The Ohio State University
    Stink bugs belong to the insect order. Hemiptera and family Pentatomidae. ... Key identification characteristics: • Adults are green with black bands on.
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Identification, Biology, Impacts, and Management of Stink Bugs ...
    Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are an emerging threat to soybean and corn production in the midwestern United States.<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
    Brown marmorated stink bug - Agricultural Biology
    Brown marmorated stink bug is characterized by two white bands on each antenna. This morphological feature can be used to distinguish this species from native ...Missing: characteristics | Show results with:characteristics
  10. [10]
    Michigan insects in the garden - Season 2 Week 5: Predatory stink ...
    Jul 21, 2021 · Worldwide, the family Pentatomidae contains species representing every part of the spectrum from almost entirely plant feeding (herbivores) to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Stink Bugs | VCE Publications - Virginia Tech
    Sep 16, 2022 · All stink bugs have the characteristic five-sided shield shape. Brown stink bug adults are 5/8-inch-long and largely a uniform green color. ...
  12. [12]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | WSU Tree Fruit
    There are ca. 200 species of stink bugs in the US, 51 of which can be found in Washington. Some are beneficial (predators), but many are pests.
  13. [13]
    Family Pentatomidae - Stink Bugs - BugGuide.Net
    Explanation of Names. Pentatomidae Leach 1815. from Pentatoma Olivier 1789 (type genus) 'five-segmented' (a reference to the antennae). the English name refers ...
  14. [14]
    A New Genus and Species of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera ... - BioOne
    May 17, 2023 · Superfamily Pentatomoidea Leach, 1815. Family Pentatomidae Leach, 1815. Subfamily Pentatominae Leach, 1815. Tribe Pentatomini Leach, 1815. Genus ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Pentatomidae Leach, 1815 - GBIF
    Pentatomidae is a family of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, generally called shield bugs or stink bugs. Pentatomidae is the largest family in the ...
  16. [16]
    Checklist and key to species of stink bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera ...
    Sep 25, 2024 · The family Pentatomidae, also called stink bugs or turtle bugs, is the third ... three-segmented tarsi, and a subtriangular scutellum ( Panizzi et ...
  17. [17]
    Life History Traits of the Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) for the ... - MDPI
    Pentatomidae have a hemimetabolous life cycle with egg, nymphal, and adult stages. Key traits include mating behavior, pheromones, and gut symbionts.
  18. [18]
    (PDF) Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae) - ResearchGate
    The general morphology of the species is similar to other groups of pentatomids. Diagnostic characteristics include modifi cations of the head associated to the ...
  19. [19]
    Pentatomoidea - Variety of Life
    Oct 28, 2013 · Most pentatomoids are plant-feeders but some species of Pentatomidae are predators. Examples of pentatomoid families in which the scutellum ...
  20. [20]
    Scutelleridae - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    The generalized body shape of adult bugs in these families is shield-shaped when viewed from above. All pentatomids have 5-segmented antennae, have 3 tarsal ...
  21. [21]
    Stink Bugs - Superfamily PENTATOMOIDEA - Brisbane Insects
    Feb 5, 2012 · Family Tessaratomidae is a small family very close to Family Pentatomidae. All members in this family look like pentatomid except they are large ...
  22. [22]
    Differences between phytophagous and predatory species in ... - NIH
    Sep 22, 2024 · Pentatomidae, the largest family in the superfamily Pentatomoidea, comprising approximately 5000 known species belonging to over 900 genera, is ...Missing: count | Show results with:count<|separator|>
  23. [23]
    The first extensive analysis of species composition and abundance ...
    Mar 23, 2024 · The Neotropical brown stink bug (Euschistus heros) was the most abundant stink bug species (Fig. 1), representing 82.4% of the adults and 84.1% ...
  24. [24]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | US EPA
    Jun 4, 2025 · The species is native to Asia and was introduced into the United States in the mid-1990s, possibly stowing away in a shipping container. The ...
  25. [25]
    Global invasion network of the brown marmorated stink bug ... - Nature
    Aug 29, 2017 · The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys) is an East Asian species now established across North America and Europe.
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    Comparative Morphology of the Mouthparts in Three Predatory Stink ...
    Nov 5, 2020 · In predatory stink bugs, each mandibular stylet tip has five irregular teeth and three long, pointed hooks; the apices of the right maxilla have ...
  28. [28]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - Penn State Extension
    Jun 19, 2023 · Description. Adults are approximately 17 mm (0.66 in) long and are shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces (Figure 1).Distribution · Description · Management Of Bmsb In Homes
  29. [29]
    [PDF] Pentatomidae) Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula (Linnaeus ...
    Color varies with instar. First instar nymphs are yellowish-orange to brown. Second and third instar nymphs have a black head and thorax and a reddish-black ...
  30. [30]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - Halyomorpha halys - MassNRC.org
    They are shield shaped and a dark marbled brown color. The antennae have an alternating dark and light pattern. The rear edges of the abdomen have ...
  31. [31]
    EENY346/IN623: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys ...
    Following its invasion of North America, the brown marmorated stink bug has expanded its global range into Europe, Eurasia, and South America (Chile), making it ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] Common Stink Bugs of Utah
    Description: This species displays variability in coloration, but in Utah most are either dark gray/charcoal (Figs. 5 and 6) or a lighter brown/burgundy (Figs.<|separator|>
  33. [33]
    Cabbage Stink Bug (Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846) (Hemiptera
    The adult cabbage stink bug (E. ventralis) typically measures between 9–12 mm in length and exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females generally larger than males ...
  34. [34]
    A New Report of Nezara viridula f. aurantiaca (Heteroptera - NIH
    Jan 27, 2017 · Nezara viridula coloration is controlled by a single sex-linked gene, where the orange allele is recessive to the green allele (Follett et al.
  35. [35]
    Nezara viridula (green stink bug) | CABI Compendium
    Nov 16, 2021 · On hatching, the nymphs are mostly black. By the fifth instar, a considerable proportion of each is green. The instars can be differentiated ...
  36. [36]
    [PDF] Stink Bug Nymph Guide - University of Florida
    bright orange/red/black/white coloration head - strongly sloped ostiole - not apparent. E. 3. 1. 4. 2. 5. Dorsal. Lateral. Ventral. Morphs. Page 12. Photo ...Missing: intraspecific variation
  37. [37]
    ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF NEZARA VIRIDULA - Annual Reviews
    ized by a cessation of feeding and mating and by a reddish-brown (diapaus ing) coloration (11). Overwintering survival is reportedly greater for females than ...
  38. [38]
    Surviving winter: diapause syndrome in the southern green stink ...
    Aug 17, 2012 · The reddish–brown winter colouration apparently functions as a camouflage in the hibernacula. It is likely that the cryptic role of the seasonal ...Missing: intraspecific | Show results with:intraspecific
  39. [39]
    [PDF] First report of Nezara viridula f. aurantiaca (Hemiptera - USDA ARS
    The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has body color polymorphisms. Nine different color morphs are known which are ...
  40. [40]
    A Couple of Stinkbugs (Family Pentatomidae) - UW-Milwaukee
    Dec 6, 2016 · There are about 250 species in North America and 5,000 worldwide. stinkbug-mouth10-500. Stink bugs? Because when they are fussed, they release ...
  41. [41]
    Shades of Nature - Essig Museum of Entomology
    I'm Warning You: Aposematism and Mimicry​​ Bright contrasting colors like red and black, orange and black, or yellow and black advertise to potential predators ...
  42. [42]
    Common Stink Bugs of the Mid-Atlantic - Hemiptera: Pentatomidae
    Oct 23, 2024 · They are first instars for three days at the end of which they molt. Feeding begins with the second instar. Green stink bug nymphs are usually ...Missing: cycle | Show results with:cycle
  43. [43]
    Rough Stink Bugs - UC IPM
    Adults live about 2 or 3 months, during which each mated female can lay several hundred eggs if prey are abundant. In mild winter locations rough stink bugs ...
  44. [44]
    Nezara viridula - CTAHR
    The adult stink bug is shield-shaped, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, and ... Adults can live for several months. Back To Menu Bar. Behavior. After hatching, the ...
  45. [45]
    Discovery of the Aggregation Pheromone of the Brown Marmorated ...
    We isolated and identified the aggregation pheromone of the brown marmorated stink bug, H. halys. Rhodium/BINAP-catalyzed addition of trimethylaluminum to ...Results and Discussion · Conclusion · Experimental Section · References
  46. [46]
    Reproductive Biology, Mating Behavior, and Vibratory ...
    Apr 1, 2012 · Females with multiple mating show increased fecundity when compared with single-mated females and both increased fecundity and reduced longevity ...
  47. [47]
    A New(ish) Cat and the Joy of Shieldbugs | Bug Woman
    Jul 30, 2020 · Finally, and most amazingly, adult females will sometimes join up and jointly guard all of their eggs and nymphs, with no favour shown to their ...
  48. [48]
    Attraction of Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Nymphs to ...
    Dec 1, 2016 · Aggregation pheromones draw stink bug adults and nymphs to plants where both feeding and mating occur. The attraction of nymphs to aggregation ...
  49. [49]
    Diel Feeding Pattern of Adult Female Southern Green Stink Bug ...
    Aug 7, 2025 · The bugs showed predatory activity both in diurnal and nocturnal periods. In LD cycle, maximum predatory activity was at 15:00 hr by the ...
  50. [50]
    Environmental Correlates of Sexual Signaling in the Heteroptera
    Adult male brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) produce chemicals that attract males, females, and nymphs into aggregations [64]. Under experimental ...
  51. [51]
    Stink Bug Infestation of Dwellings - UK Entomology
    Brown marmorated stink bug adults are strong fliers, capable of dispersing more than a mile. The bugs also are adept hitchhikers and are being transported ...
  52. [52]
    Brown marmorated stink bug overwintering aggregations are not ...
    Nov 18, 2020 · During the autumn dispersal period, H. halys ultimately moves to potential overwintering sites, such as human-made structures or trees where it ...Missing: solitary | Show results with:solitary
  53. [53]
    Semi-natural habitats support populations of stink bug pests in ...
    Feb 1, 2023 · Semi-natural habitats supported higher abundance of stink bugs than crop habitats. •. Dry grasslands and forests provided feeding, reproduction, ...
  54. [54]
    Adjacent Habitat Influence on Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae ...
    Fields adjacent to wooded, crop and building habitats harbored higher densities of stink bugs than those adjacent to open habitats. Damage to corn kernels and ...
  55. [55]
    Overwintering site selection and associated microclimates for the ...
    Feb 9, 2024 · We conducted 2 studies in successive years to evaluate how leaf litter from hardwoods, pines, and soybeans modulate overwintering site selection and survival ...
  56. [56]
    Cold tolerance, water balance, energetics, gas exchange, and ...
    In North America, adult H. halys aggregate in the autumn and overwinter in protected microhabitats, including natural habitats (e.g. standing dead trees) and ...
  57. [57]
    Pentatomidae) in the Sub-Mediterranean Climate of Western Slovenia
    [54], who suggested 25 °C as the optimal temperature for the development of H. halys, based on the shortest development time and the highest survival obtained ...
  58. [58]
    Influence of Microclimate Factors on Halyomorpha halys Dehydration
    Our data suggest that hot and dry climates are not favourable for H. halys and may limit its geographical range. Similarly, microclimatic conditions within ...
  59. [59]
    Brown marmorated stink bug - [Halyomorpha halys] (Stål, 1855)
    The optimal temperature for BMSB development is 25˚C; eggs and nymphs require a temperature of 12-15˚C to develop. Development from egg to fully mature ...
  60. [60]
    The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) - MDPI
    The species is native to East Asia, with China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan being the countries of origin [1]. In this region, the pest is widespread [1,9] and has ...<|separator|>
  61. [61]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug | Ohioline - The Ohio State University
    Jun 23, 2021 · The word 'marmorated' refers to its marble-like coloration (Figure 1). The brown marmorated stink bug feeds on fruits, seeds, stems, and leaves ...
  62. [62]
    Identification, Biology, Impacts, and Management of Stink Bugs ...
    May 4, 2017 · Stink bugs feed by inserting their piercing–sucking mouthparts into plant tissues, injecting digestive enzymes, and sucking up nutrients ...
  63. [63]
    How Does the Intricate Mouthpart Apparatus Coordinate for Feeding ...
    They are characterized by specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts, in which the modified mandibles and maxillae form two pairs of stylets sheathed within a ...
  64. [64]
    Ecological Significance and Role in Their Pest Status on Crops
    Phytophagous stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are important pests of many crops, feeding mostly on seeds and immature fruits. During feeding they.
  65. [65]
    Scope of Pentatomidae as bio control agents in India By Salini David
    Mar 1, 2023 · Of these Asopinae are exclusively predators whereas more than 80% of species of Pentatomidae belongs to a single subfamily Penta-tominae.
  66. [66]
    Nutritional ecology of a predatory stink bug: A comparative analysis ...
    The nutritional content of prey plays a pivotal role in shaping the predatory behavior and effectiveness of natural pest control agents like Eocanthecona ...Missing: habits | Show results with:habits
  67. [67]
    Analysis of the Destructive Effect of the Halyomorpha halys Saliva ...
    Jul 18, 2022 · They can cause severe necrosis, various wound responses, and disturbances in the plant hormonal system; the inflicted damage may even result in ...Missing: toxins | Show results with:toxins
  68. [68]
    Effect of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål ...
    Infested fruits by H. halys can result in morphological deformations of fruits known as cat's facing, localized wilting and necrosis, abscission of fruit forms, ...
  69. [69]
    Synergy Versus Potency in the Defensive Secretions from Nymphs ...
    The dorsal abdominal glands (DAGs) of nymphs are responsible for secretion of irritating defensive chemicals (allomones), and may sometimes also be involved in ...
  70. [70]
    Stink Bugs as Pests of Cotton - Land-Grant Press - Clemson University
    Jun 5, 2023 · Full development from egg to adult averages around 44 days under laboratory conditions and is dependent on temperature.4,9 There is some ...
  71. [71]
    Southern Green Stink Bug - LSU AgCenter
    Feb 14, 2012 · The southern green stink bug has piercing-sucking mouth parts. Usually it is first noticed as dead or dying leaves on isolated plants or groups of plants.
  72. [72]
    Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Causes $37 Million In Losses To Mid ...
    Mid-Atlantic apple growers lost $37 million last year from damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) to the 2010 apple crop.
  73. [73]
    State-by-State - StopBMSB.org
    Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has been detected in 47 states and 4 Canadian provinces, posing severe agricultural problems in 10 states and nuisance ...Missing: 2023 2024 2025
  74. [74]
    Stink Bug Damage to Corn - UK Entomology
    ... yield from these plants will be reduced about 10%. Tillered plants may produce little if any grain. Some may produce small ears, with about 1/3 the yield of ...
  75. [75]
    Transmission of the Yeast Eremothecium Coryli to Fruits and ...
    Oct 23, 2024 · The brown Euschistus spp and green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say) are known to transmit yeast spot disease in soybeans and we wondered if ...Missing: spoilage | Show results with:spoilage
  76. [76]
    Biology, Ecology, and Management of an Invasive Stink Bug ...
    Mar 11, 2016 · The painted bug, Bagrada hilaris, native to eastern and southern Africa and Asia, was detected in California in 2008, and it has spread ...
  77. [77]
    Podisus maculiventris - Biological Control
    One of the stink bugs, named for the strong odor emitted when disturbed, this useful insect has a wide host range, including several important crop pests.
  78. [78]
    Stink Bugs as Biocontrol Agents Against ... - Entomology Today
    May 5, 2015 · They found that spined soldier bugs are pretty good at killing BMSBs younger than the fourth instar, especially BMSB eggs and first instars.
  79. [79]
    [PDF] Habitat Planning for Beneficial Insects - Xerces Society
    Figure 49: Predatory stink bug species are desirable beneficial insects because they target so many crop pests—many of which are notoriously difficult to ...
  80. [80]
    Jumiles | Traditional Insect Dish From Taxco, Mexico - TasteAtlas
    Apr 10, 2020 · Jumiles are Mexican stinkbugs that were consumed since pre-Columbian times as a snack, a medicine, and an aphrodisiac.
  81. [81]
    Mexico gets a taste for eating insects as chefs put bugs back on the ...
    Jul 23, 2013 · The stink bugs are typically eaten live and are prized for their powerful anise-like flavour and cinnamon finish. Put on a plate or inside a ...
  82. [82]
    Learn About Some of Mexico's Edible Insects - The Spruce Eats
    Jul 13, 2023 · They also contain a substance that numbs the tongue and takes away hunger. Despite these characteristics, raw stink bugs have a certain ...
  83. [83]
    [PDF] Integrated Pest Management for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in ...
    Use of the pheromone trap-based provisional threshold (see Provisional Monitoring and Scouting Recommendations) in apples may enhance management effectiveness.Missing: methods | Show results with:methods<|separator|>
  84. [84]
    Natural Enemies and Biological Control of Stink Bugs (Hemiptera
    The effectiveness of stink bugs' natural enemies varies widely with stink bug species and habitats, influencing the biological control of stink bugs across ...
  85. [85]
    Insecticide Susceptibilities and Enzyme Activities of Four Stink Bug ...
    Apr 12, 2024 · Currently, insecticide applications for stink bug control often include neonicotinoids, organophosphates, and pyrethroids. For instance, ...Missing: IPM | Show results with:IPM
  86. [86]
    Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) | NYSIPM Biocontrol Fact Sheet
    In their native range, a samurai wasp can kill up to 80% of stink bug eggs, usually attacking all eggs in an egg mass (or group) (Yang et al. 2009). Research on ...
  87. [87]
    Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug targeted by ...
    Dec 29, 2020 · In 2019, we did not find any samurai wasps at the release sites. However, in 2020 we recaptured samurai wasps from one site where they had been ...
  88. [88]
    Samurai wasp has minimal impact on native stink bugs, new ... - CABI
    Jun 12, 2023 · Samurai wasp has minimal impact on native stink bugs, new CABI-led study confirms.
  89. [89]
    RNAi-induced knockdown of white gene in the southern green stink ...
    Jun 21, 2022 · This study revealed that white may be a suitable marker for germline transformation in the SGSB as white transcript knockdown was not lethal.
  90. [90]
    [PDF] Improving RNA interference in the southern green stink bug, Nezara ...
    Mar 9, 2021 · These data demonstrate that RNAi pathway components are present in N. viridula and delivering dsRNA by either injection or feeding induces ...
  91. [91]
    Effects of Irradiation on Biology and Mating Behaviour of Wild Males ...
    May 13, 2023 · The sterile insect technique, based on use of irradiated sterile males to reduce fertility of wild females, is a valid method in area-wide pest management.
  92. [92]
    Sterile but Sexy: Assessing the Mating Competitiveness of Irradiated ...
    These data indicate that SIT could be an effective tool for controlling B. hilaris, helping to reduce pesticide use and promote more sustainable management of ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
  93. [93]
    Stink Bugs / Tomato / Agriculture - UC IPM
    Cultural Control. Destroy weeds (legumes, blackberries, Russian thistle, mustards, and little mallow) that are good overwintering hosts for adult stink bugs ...
  94. [94]
    Stink Bug Control Methods: Effective Strategies For Managing ...
    Jul 10, 2024 · Cultural Controls: Implement practices such as crop rotation and removing plant debris to reduce stink bug habitat. Biological Controls ...
  95. [95]
    Why Stink Bugs Invade North Carolina Homes Every Fall
    Rating 4.9 (6,781) Stink bugs often return to successful overwintering sites due to residual aggregation pheromones that mark favorable locations. Properties that experienced ...Missing: non- effects
  96. [96]
    [PDF] Non-target effects of insect biocontrol agents and trends in host ...
    Nov 7, 2016 · Non-target impacts include direct attacks on native insects, foodweb effects, hybridization, and attacks on weed biocontrol agents. Host ...