
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
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.