Citrus Stink Bug

Description:

Rhynchocoris longirostris Stål, 1871. This Citrus Stink Bug belongs to the Hemipteran Family: Pentatomidae. It can sometimes be nervous and difficult to photograph, but this morning it was very cooperative. I caught sight of it, not only sitting on its host plant, but sitting right on the fruit, a Philippine Lime and it stayed there until got one picture then took off. I thought it was going deep into the foliage of this prickly tree and braced myself for the usual scratches, but it exited the lime tree and landed on a Pawpaw ( Carica papaya). This not only saved me from the scratches, but gave me easy clear views to take several photos. However, in the last picture, I sensed that he was giving me that "look" which I know to mean "that's enough". Of course, it cannot hurt people, but if it decides it to share its perfume with you, you might not smell so good for a day or two. So, discretion being the better part of valour, I made my escape.

Habitat:

This Citrus Stink Bug was spotted in our front garden this morning at around 9:48 am. It was on its favourite host plant, a Philippine Lime (Citrus microcarpa) locally known as Kalamansi.

Notes:

This Citrus Stink Bug is a handsome creature in a spiky kind of way, but its nymphs are absolutely gorgeous. Its early in the season for spotting nymphs, but I have many pictures from previous years and I will sort out one or two for a Project Noah spotting.