Brown Shield Bug (Nymph)
Scientific Name: Dictyotus caenosus
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae
Size: 8 to 11 mm in length as adults; nymphs are smaller and more rounded.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in grasslands, gardens, and agricultural fields on various crops and weeds.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; feeds on a wide range of plants by sucking juices from stems, leaves, and seeds.
Behavior Patterns
They are active during the day and can emit a foul-smelling liquid from scent glands when threatened to deter predators.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a minor agricultural pest as they can damage crops, but they are not dangerous to humans or pets.
Identified on: 6/27/2026