Bug Identifier
Green stink bug (likely green shield bug)
Community identification

Green stink bug (likely green shield bug)

Chinavia hilaris

Order & Family
Hemiptera; Pentatomidae
Size
Typically 13–18 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Vegetated habitats, including gardens, orchards, woodlands, and agricultural fields, across much of North America.

Diet & Feeding

Adults and nymphs pierce plant tissues and suck sap from leaves, stems, fruits, and developing seeds, sometimes causing fruit blemishes.

Behavior Patterns

Generally solitary and active during the warmer months; adults overwinter in sheltered vegetation or structures. They may release a strong-smelling defensive odor when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Usually harmless to people, though it can be an agricultural and garden pest. It also serves as prey for birds, spiders, and parasitoid wasps.