Rice Ear Bug

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, particularly rice paddies, as well as grasslands, gardens, and wetlands.

Diet & Feeding

Graminaceous plants, specifically the sap from developing grains (milking stage) of rice, wheat, and various grasses.

Behavior Patterns

Active during early morning and late afternoon; they are strong fliers and are often found in large numbers during the rice heading stage. They produce a strong, foul odor when disturbed to deter predators.

Risks & Benefits

Major agricultural pest that causes significant crop loss by sucking nutrients from developing grains, leading to empty or shriveled hulls. They pose no direct physical risk to humans but can be a nuisance due to leur odor.

Identified on: 3/26/2026