Bug Identifier
Brown marmorated stink bug (likely)
Community identification

Brown marmorated stink bug (likely)

Halyomorpha halys

Order & Family
Hemiptera; Pentatomidae
Size
12–17 mm long and about 8–10 mm wide.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, orchards, agricultural fields, and buildings where it seeks shelter. Commonly overwinters indoors, especially around walls, windows, and roof spaces.

Diet & Feeding

Adults and nymphs pierce plant tissue and suck sap from fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and tree crops. This can cause dimpling, discoloration, and secondary damage.

Behavior Patterns

Shield-shaped, mottled brown adults emit a strong defensive odor when disturbed or crushed. Adults gather in large numbers for fall overwintering and emerge in spring; several generations may occur in warm regions.

Risks & Benefits

They are not dangerous to people and do not transmit disease, but may become a significant agricultural and household nuisance. They provide limited food for predators, though their chemical defenses reduce predation.