Stink Bug Management
Pentatomidae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameStink Bug Management
DescriptionStink bugs are shield-shaped insects known for their foul odor and damage to fruits and leaves. Learn to identify and manage these common garden pests now.
TypeInsect
FamilyPentatomidae
GenusHalyomorpha
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHemiptera
Features
- Named for the foul-smelling chemical they release from glands on their abdomen when threatened or crushed. Also called 'shield bugs' due to their body shape
- Distinctive shield-shaped body. Common colors include green, brown, or mottled grey (marmorated). Have long, needle-like mouthparts for piercing
- Pierce fruits, seeds, and leaves to inject digestive enzymes and suck out liquefied plant juices
- Causes 'cat-facing' (dimpling and scarring) on apples and peaches. On tomatoes, it leaves pale, cloudy spots. Seeds in pods (like beans) may be shriveled or absent
- Adults overwinter in houses, leaf litter, or under bark. Lay clusters of barrel-shaped eggs on leaf undersides. Nymphs go through several molts
- Adults are typically 12-17 mm long. Eggs are small but visible in clusters
- Most active from late spring through fall. Many species move into buildings during the first cold snaps of autumn
- Broad host range including tomatoes, peppers, beans, apples, peaches, corn, and many ornamental trees
- Reduce weeds and tall grass around garden beds. Use row covers before fruit starts to ripen
- Handpick or knock into soapy water. Neem oil or insecticidal soaps can be effective against young nymphs. Maintain diverse habitats for predators like spiders
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPentatomidae
English (Alternate)Shield bug
Hindiಗಂಧ ಯುಕ್ತ ಖಟ್ಮಲ್ (Gandh yukt khatmal)
Tamilನಾಟ್ರಮಡಿಕ್ಕುಂ ವಂಡು (Natramadikkum vandu)
Teluguಕಂಪು ಪುರುಗು (Kampu purugu)
Malayalamಚೀಂಜಳಿಂಜ ಮಣಂ ಪುರಪ್ಪಡುವಿಕ್ಕುನ್ನ ವಂಡು (Cheenjalinja manam purappaduvikkunna vandu)
Kannadaವಾಸನೆ ಹುಳು (Vasane hulu)
Sanskritದುರ್ಗಂಧ-ಮತ್ಕುಣ (Durgandha-matkuna)
Bengaliಗಂಧಿ ಪೋಕ (Gondhi poka)
Frenchpunaise diabolique
Russianಕ್ಲೋಪ್-ವೊನ್ಯುಚ್ಕಾ (klop-vonyuchka)
Spanishchinche apestosa
GermanStinkwanze
