Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Description:

The adult Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is shield shaped and dark, mottled brown. It ranges in length from 14 to 18 mm. The last two antennal segments have alternating broad light and dark bands. The exposed abdominal edges also have alternating dark and light banding. Newly hatched nymphs are yellowish, mottled with black and red. Older nymphs are darker with banded legs and antennae, like the adults.

Habitat:

Floor, back porch of a house. Countryside.

Notes:

The stink bug's ability to emit a vile odor through holes in its abdomen is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply jostling the bug, cornering it, scaring or injuring it, or attempting to remove one from one's home can "set it off," and the odor is extremely powerful, unpleasant, and long-lasting. The stink glands are located on the underside of the thorax, between the first and second pair of legs. It is a significant agricultural pest if populations get too large.