Kudzu Bug
Scientific Name: Megacopta cribraria
Order & Family: Hemiptera; Plataspidae
Size: 4 to 6 mm in length

Natural Habitat
Fields, gardens, and woodlands, often found on legume plants like kudzu and soybeans.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; primarily feeds on the sap of kudzu vines, soybeans, and other legumes.
Behavior Patterns
They are strong fliers and tend to aggregate in large numbers on host plants or the sides of light-colored buildings in autumn seeking overwintering sites.
Risks & Benefits
Agricultural pest that can reduce soybean yields; they do not bite humans but can emit a foul-smelling liquid that stains skin and may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions.
Identified on: 6/8/2026