Bug Identifier
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Community identification

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Halyomorpha halys

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Pentatomidae
Size
Approximately 1.7 cm (0.67 inches) long and nearly as wide.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, orchards, and farms; frequently invades homes and buildings in autumn to seek shelter for winter.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on a wide variety of plants including fruits (apples, peaches, berries), vegetables, and ornamental trees by piercing the plant skin to suck out juices.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for releasing a pungent odor from scent glands when disturbed or crushed. They are strong fliers and exhibit overwintering behavior by entering human structures in large numbers during cold months.

Risks & Benefits

An invasive agricultural pest that can cause significant damage to crops. While harmless to humans (they do not bite or sting), they are considered a major nuisance in homes and can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.