Kudzu Bug

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, gardens, and building exteriors, especially near kudzu vines or soybean crops.

Diet & Feeding

Piercing-sucking mouthparts used to feed on the sap of legumes, primarily kudzu and soybeans.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for congregating in large numbers on white or light-colored surfaces during the fall as they seek overwintering sites. They move through incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant agricultural pest to soybean crops but help control invasive kudzu. For humans, they can emit a foul-smelling chemical that may cause skin irritation or staining upon contact.

Identified on: 3/21/2026