Bug Identifier
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (likely)
Community identification

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (likely)

Halyomorpha halys

Order & Family
Hemiptera (True Bugs); Family: Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
Size
Approximately 12-17 mm (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Invasive species found in a variety of habitats including orchards, farms, gardens, and often inside residential homes during colder months.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous herbivore; feeds on a wide variety of fruits (apples, peaches, figs), vegetables (beans, corn, tomatoes), and ornamental plants by piercing the skin and sucking juices.

Behavior Patterns

Known for seeking shelter indoors in autumn to overwinter. They release a pungent, foul-smelling odor when threatened or crushed, produced by scent glands located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (does not bite or sting), though they can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. They are a significant agricultural pest, causing cosmetic damage to fruit and vegetables, rendering them unmarketable. No significant ecosystem benefits in non-native ranges.