Bug Identifier
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Community identification

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Halyomorpha halys

Order & Family
Hemiptera, Pentatomidae
Size
12 to 17 mm (0.5 to 0.6 inches) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in various agricultural crops, woodlands, and urban areas. They often seek shelter in houses and buildings during winter months.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. They use their proboscis to pierce the skin of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants to suck out juices.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit 'overwintering' behavior by entering human structures in fall. When threatened or crushed, they release a strong, pungent odor from glands on their abdomen.

Risks & Benefits

An invasive agricultural pest that can damage crops. They are harmless to humans but can be a major nuisance; they do not bite or sting but cause odor issues.