
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Halyomorpha halys
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Pentatomidae
- Size
- 1.7 cm (0.67 in) long and about as wide.
Natural Habitat
Typically found on agricultural crops, fruit trees, and ornamental plants; they frequently seek shelter inside houses and buildings during winter months.
Diet & Feeding
Polyphagous herbivore; feeds on a wide variety of plants including fruits (apples, peaches, berries), vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, corn), and ornamental trees.
Behavior Patterns
Known for emitting a pungent odor through scent glands when disturbed or crushed. In the fall, they aggregate in large numbers on south-facing walls and enter structures to undergo diapause (hibernation).
Risks & Benefits
No medical risk to humans as they do not bite or sting. However, they are a major agricultural pest causing significant damage to crops and are considered a severe nuisance pest when they invade homes in large numbers.