Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Halyomorpha halys
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Pentatomidae
- Size
- Approximately 1.2 to 1.7 cm (0.5 to 0.7 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in orchards, gardens, and crop fields; they are well-known for seeking shelter inside homes and buildings during autumn to overwinter.
Diet & Feeding
Polyphagous herbivores; they feed on over 100 plant species including tree fruits (like apples, peaches), vegetables (like sweet corn, peppers), and ornamentals.
Behavior Patterns
They are active during warmer months but enter a state of diapause (hibernation) in winter. They aggregate on sun-warmed surfaces and often release an aggregation pheromone that attracts others.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no direct physical threat to humans or pets (they do not bite or sting) but are a significant agricultural pest that can cause severe damage to crops. Inside homes, they are a nuisance pest and will release a foul odor if crushed or threatened.