Bagrada bug (painted stink bug)

Warm, dry regions, especially gardens, farms, weeds, and other areas with brassica plants. Native to Africa and now established in parts of southern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the southwestern United States.

Pierces plant tissues with sucking mouthparts, feeding mainly on brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, and mustard. It can cause stippling, wilting, distorted growth, and seedling death.

Adults and nymphs are active in warm weather and often cluster on plant stems, leaves, flowers, and developing seeds. Several generations may occur annually; adults shelter in plant debris or soil during unfavorable conditions.

A significant agricultural pest that can damage seedlings and reduce brassica yields, but it is not dangerous to humans. It provides limited food for predators and may serve as prey in agricultural ecosystems.