
Community identification
Brown marmorated stink bug (likely)
Halyomorpha halys
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Pentatomidae
- Size
- About 12–17 mm long and 8–10 mm wide.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, orchards, fields, and buildings, especially around windows and sheltered crevices. Native to East Asia and now widespread in North America and Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Pierces plants and sucks sap from fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and crops. It can cause surface scarring and internal damage to produce.
Behavior Patterns
Adults overwinter in houses and other protected structures, then emerge in spring; several generations may occur in warm regions. They release a strong odor when disturbed or crushed and often aggregate in autumn.
Risks & Benefits
A significant agricultural and household nuisance, but it does not bite or sting and is not medically dangerous. It serves as prey for birds, spiders, and predatory insects.