
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.
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.