Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Originally from East Asia; now an invasive agricultural pest in North America and Europe. They are often found on fruit trees, ornamental plants, and frequently enter homes in autumn to overwinter.

Polyphagous herbivore; they feed by piercing plant tissues with their proboscis to suck juices. They consume a wide variety of fruits (apples, peaches, pears), vegetables (sweet corn, peppers, beans), and ornamental trees.

Known for releasing a pungent, coriander-like odor when threatened or crushed. In late autumn, they exhibit aggregation behavior, gathering in large numbers to seek shelter inside warm buildings (diapause) to survive the winter.

Risks: Major agricultural pest causing significant damage to crops by causing necrotic spots, dimpling, and seed loss. Nuisance pest to homeowners due to overwintering infestations and foul smell. Benefits: None significant in introduced ranges, though they are a food source for some generalist predators (spiders, predatory wasps).