Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug is a species in the family Pentatomidae, order Hemiptera, native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It was accidentally introduced to Pennsylvania in the late 1990s and has since spread across much of North America and parts of Europe.

It is notable as a significant agricultural pest of tree fruit, vegetables, and row crops due to its very broad host range, and it is one of the most familiar invasive true bugs in areas where it has established.

The species is distinguished from native stink bugs by specific banding patterns and is especially conspicuous for its habit of forming large overwintering aggregations in and around structures.

• Mottled ("marmorated") brown, shield-shaped body typical of stink bugs
• Distinctive alternating white and dark bands on the last two antennal segments — a key identifying feature
• Alternating light bands along the exposed edges of the abdomen
• Smooth, rounded shoulders (some native look-alike stink bugs have toothed shoulder margins)
• Body length roughly 12–17 mm; lookalikes are native brown stink bugs (Euschistus spp.), which lack the banded antennae

Native to East Asia; now established across much of the United States, parts of Canada, and areas of Europe. Found on trees, shrubs, and crops during the growing season. In fall, large numbers seek shelter in structures such as attics and wall voids, re-emerging the following spring.

Feeds by piercing fruit, seeds, and foliage of an unusually broad range of host plants, including tree fruit and vegetable crops. Forms large aggregations on sunny exterior walls before moving indoors to overwinter. Releases a strong defensive odor when disturbed. Considered a significant agricultural pest as well as a household nuisance due to its overwintering habits.

Incomplete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves during warmer months. Nymphs progress through five instars over the growing season. One to two generations occur per year depending on region, and adults overwinter in sheltered locations, including structures.