Stink Bugs
This insect, notorious for its “smelly” reputation, earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Most stink bugs are herbivorous and use their piercing and sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices.
Stink Bug Habits
Most species of stink bugs are innocuous, only feeding on their host plants, and are seldom encountered by humans. However, one species introduced into the United States (Marminated stink bug pictured here) is getting a bad reputation because it overwinters inside structures. Similar to other insects that do this, they become a nuisance pest. Appearing in the spring from hibernation, they will spot curtains and window sills.
When handled or disturbed, stink bugs are able to secrete a bad-smelling, bad-tasting fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies. This secretion protects stink bugs from predators. They are often fed upon by birds, spiders, assassin bugs and other arthropod predators (including other stink bugs). Many species are attracted to lights at night. Adult stink bugs of various species are active from spring through late fall.
Stink Bug Habitat
During warm months, female stink bugs attach large masses of eggs to the underside of leaves and stems. After hatching, the wingless nymphs go through five immature stages before becoming full-sized, winged adults. Stink bugs are not known to bite humans.
