Predatory Stink Bug (Nymph)

Gardens, agricultural fields, wooded areas, and meadows throughout North America.

Carnivorous; feeds on over 90 species of insects, particularly soft-bodied larvae like caterpillars (e.g., Monarch caterpillars) and beetle larvae.

Active hunters that use a piercing-sucking proboscis to inject enzymes into prey to liquefy and extract internal fluids. Often seen on leaves stalks searching for prey.

Benefit: Highly beneficial for pest control in gardens and crops as they eat many agricultural pests. Risk: No significant risk to humans, though they can produce a foul odor if threatened and may occasionally deliver a minor, non-toxic poke if handled.