Florida Predatory Stink Bug

Fields, gardens, and woodlands; commonly found on foliage where prey is abundant, particularly in the Southeastern United States.

Carnivorous predator of various insects including caterpillars (like the Monarch shown), beetle larvae, and other soft-bodied bugs.

Nymphs often exhibit aggregate behavior, hunting in groups to take down larger prey. They use a piercing-sucking proboscis to inject enzymes and suck out the liquified insides of their prey.

Beneficial to gardeners and farmers as a natural pest control agent against crop-destroying larvae. While not aggressive to humans, they can deliver a painful bite if handled and produce a foul-smelling musk when threatened.