Spined Green Stink Bug Nymph
(12/23/2006) Bug ID
Could you identify this bug for me? Central Florida, December, it is about an inch to inch-and-half long anf flat. Thanks
Ken Pichon



Hi Ken,
This is an immature Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae. We are curious as to the large size, so we tried to identify the species on BugGuide. We found several photos of the adult Spined Green Stink Bug, Loxa flavicollis, which is found in Florida. There is also mention of another member in the same genus, Loxa viridis, but no image. As BugGuide does not show any immature specimens, we are not sure if the spines are only present on the adults. We will try to do additional research, including contacting Eric Eaton. If this is a member of the genus Loxa, we are requesting your permission to post the image to BugGuide as well. Here is Eric's input: "It is a stinkbug nymph, have no idea what genus or species. Florida has so many more species than the rest of the U.S., including more introduced, exotic species, that I can't help much with many of the Florida insect IDs. Please try Julieta Brambila, though, as the Heteroptera (Hemiptera) are her specialty, and she is IN Florida. Eric"

Permission granted. Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing of any new information.
Ken

Dear Daniel,
Happy Holidays! I have forwarded the image to the pentatomid expert Joe Eger. Let's wait for his answer. I only have one reference specimen of an immature of Loxa, and it definitely does not reach one inch, but looks similiar to the photo, though not in color since the photograph is of a live insect. Nice photo. We'll see what Joe says. Thanks,
Julieta
Here is Joe's answer. "Feliz Navidad a day late. I agree that this thing looks like Loxa. It looks like a pretty mature nymph so the size is not too far off. I can be pretty certain that this is Loxa sp. - May be L. flavicollis or L. viridis - I can't separate nymphs."

Mystery Kenyan Hemipteran
(Thanksgiving 2006) Bug on East African coast
Hi
I think this looks like a scarab beetle, can you help me further... East Africa, Kenyan coast. thanks
jay



Hi Jay,
While we are not sure exactly what species or even what family of beetle this Kenyan beauty is, we do know it is not a scarab. When we wrote to Eric Eaton, he informed us it isn't a beetle, but a true bug. Here is his response: " Daniel: The 'beetles' from Kenya are also Hemipterans:-) They are shield bugs, probably in the genus Calidea. You're doing great! Eric"

Harlequin Stink Bug
(11/03/2006) Bug Query with Pictures
Hi!
I was browsing through your site, with great enjoyment, after we found some 30 to 50 of a particular bug on one of our flower plants. Unfortunately, the site is too large for me to do an exhaustive search (although I did look through all 10 beetle pages and a few others). The closest match seemed to be a ladybird pupa, but the picture wasn't clear enough for me to be certain, and the markings were different (which would be no surprise, given the variation among ladybird beetles). They do seem rather larger than the ladybird beetles we're used to seeing. We're in the middle of a city, western Los Angeles, California (90210). In any case, we'd like to find out what these are. They're black with orange markings, 8-10 cm long, half that in width, fairly flat, with three rows of orange spots on the underside (middle row shorter). One of the pictures shows them at the base of a rose, which was a typical place to find a group of 3 to 8. The other two show two on a poppy stalk, which was more exposed than most of them. It was still cool in the morning, and most were quite inactive; one of them on a rose stem continually wandered around to the far side of the stem while I tried to photograph. No observation of them flying or of wings, although I did see one twitch the triangular patch on its back. All pictures were taken with a flash, and so the edges and highlights are more pronounced than they appeared to the eye. Thanks,
Leif
P.S. Please feel free to make use of the pictures I took in any way you wish.



Hi Leif,
These are not beetles, but true bugs or Hemipterans. More specifically, they are Harlequin Stink Bugs. We generally see them from other parts of the country more pronounced orange markings, but an image on BugGuide from Los Angeles, is a very close match to your image.

Harlequin Bug Nymphs
(10/15/2006) Request for bug ID
Hi WTB,
This bug rapidly proliferates in my kale patch. First showed up on the tree kale, but rapidly moved into the other more common kales. We live an hour drive north of San Francisco. I first noticed the bugs in mid-September. They don't clump together, but there will be several on each leaf if I don't pick them off. They have a loose grasp on the leaf and readily fall off if the leaf is jostled. They don't seem to change appearance much from the time they are first noticeable (about 1.5mm long) to the size in this photo (about 3/16 of an inch long). I believe the actual color is a bit more orange and less yellow that in the picture. Thanks for any help.
Paul



Hi Paul,
The Harlequin Bug, Murgantia histrionica, is a species of Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae. They are pests on plants in the cabbage family and are frequently found on Alyssium and the mustard that grows wild in much of California. The specimens in your photo are immature nymphs. The adults have wings.

Anchor Stink Bug
(10/07/2006) smiley face bug
Can you tell me what it is? I call it the smiley bug, but I'd like to know the real name. It's about the size of a lady bug, maybe a little bigger. Found in Dallas, Georgia.
Lee Hooker



Hi Lee,
We will contact Eric Eaton to see if he knows what species this unique Stink Bug is. Here is Eric's response: "The unknown stink bug is the Anchor Stink Bug, Stiretrus anchorago," which comes in several color schemes, including deep blue and red. This is a "good" species, in that it is predatory, often feeding on webworms in fact. Hope this helps. Eric"

Stink Bugs at Sea
(09/30/2006) Hi There
Hi There,
I work on an oil rig in the middle of the north see half way between the Orkney islands and Norway. 150 miles north east of Aberdeen. We had what can only be descried as a shower of flying beetles here. 1000's falling from the sky and settling on the deck of the platform, along with these bugs were numerous moths and red admiral butterflies, a very rare occurrence as we hardly ever see creepy crawlies out here. Following them were numerous small birds such as robins and warblers who took full advantage of this free meal, Following the small birds were two peregrine falcons that in turn took their fair share of the small birds. No major recent storms which could have blown them out here. There has been A long period of moderate Southern winds with warm air and fog . Can anyone tell me what they are?
Graham Johnston
East Brae Platform
Marathon Oil UK



Hi Graham,
Your account of the food chain at sea is fascinating. These are not beetles, but True Bugs in the family Pentatomidae. They are commonly called Shield Bugs and even more commonly called Stink Bugs.

Black Stink Bug
(09/23/2006) a few pics for ya from Central Florida
Also including a pic of of a Black Stink Bug - Proxys punctulatus. These where all over the place for one day and manages to get this one to sit still long enough for a shot. I did not see one on your list so I am sending it to help others and save you some email.
Jim
James Smullins
Groveland, Fl.



Hi Jim,
Thanks for sending both of your images. We are very happy to be able to include a new species of Stink Bug on our site. BugGuide has additional information on this plant feeding species.

Southern Green Stink Bug Nymph
(09/22/2006) Pretty bug, but good or bad?
These pretty bugs are all over my neglected broccoli, and I'm wondering if they are feeding on the plants or on the aphids. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I spent a couple of hours looking at pictures of bugs on the web without finding one that looks like this. Surprising, since the pattern is so distinctive. They're slightly under a half an inch long, not including legs/antennae.
Ken



Hi Ken,
This is a Southern Green Stink Bug nymph, Nezara viridula. Adults are winged and fly. They have adapted to life in California. BugGuide has information on this species, which is a plant feeder and can do considerable crop damage.

Tree Stink Bugs
(09/06/2006) Red Maple Borer?
Dear Bugman,
We have a Red Maple that has suffered extensive damage due to some type of borer. The tree did not fully bloom this spring. Until now, we were not able to find any insect that could be responsible. And, the damage does not match the description for any known borers that attack maple trees. At the beginning of August, we noticed new damage consisting of an entry hole and quite a bit of sawdust at the base of the tree. Peeling back the bark revealed quite a bit of new damage to the tree. The damage included a couple of holes/tunnels that went almost 4 inches into the tree. This week we found a couple of beetle like insects on the trunk. Attached is a jpg image. Any help identifying these insects would be very appreciated. We live in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Thank You.
Keith



Hi Keith,
These are Brochymenas, Tree Stink Bugs. The winged one is an adult and the other a nymph. They are not your borers.

Immature Two Spotted Stink Bug feeds on Caterpillar
(09/01/2006) bug sucking juices out of larva?
Hi again! I came across this bug who had caught a caterpillar on a tree in our yard here in the Ottawa, ON. area. He had his mouthpiece stuck into the side of the caterpillar's head. I searched for bugs with piercing mouthpieces and the closest I could come to was maybe an anchor stink bug. Apparently they hunt larva and use their mouthpiece to suck the juices out of them. I don't know what type of caterpillar it is, but the tree they're on has a bit of a leaf-roller problem. I've unrolled a couple of the leaves and found a dark brown type of larva, but this is the first time I've seen a caterpillar like this. Couldn't help but feel sorry for the little guy...what a way to go. Take care!
Sharon
Hammond, ON



Hi again Sharon,
This is an immature Two Spotted Stink Bug, Perillus bioculatus, one of the predatory stink bugs that are very important for caterpillar control.

Tree Stink Bug
(08/31/2006) Help Identifying a bug
Hi,
I found your site while my 4 year old daughter and I tried to identify an insect we found on our screen door in Sacramento California. I'm confidient you'll be able to help us figure out what it is. I'm hoping to keep her interested in insects so she won't develop a fear to bugs. By the way, she loved looking at all the beautiful insects on your site. Thanks in Advance,
Laura G



Hi Laura,
The Tree Stink Bug is one of the Predatory Stink Bugs in the genus Brochymena. Eric Eaton provided us with this clarification: "I would classify them as scavengers or opportunistic predators, though, as are many, if not most, Hemipterans, even if they are principally herbivores. I once saw two smaller milkweed bugs sharing a dead honeybee carcass! Was I shocked!.... Eric"

Immature Harlequin Bugs
(08/25/2006) Red and black beetle congregations
Hello dear bug folks,
I've paged through all your beetle pages and couldn't find them: It's that time of year again - these beetles like to congregate in piles (see photo) at the edge of the woods. Each pile will have beetles of all different sizes and shades of red. Who are they and what are they doing? yours,
debbie



Hi Debbie,
Your error was in mistaking them for beetles. They are Hemipterans, True Bugs, more specifically Shield Bugs or Stink Bugs. Nymphs, the immature insects, are more difficult to accurately identify, but our money is on the Harlequin Bug, Murgantia histrionica. There is a visual match on BugGuide. Before opening your photos, we were positive they would be Boxelder Bugs, another red and black Hemipteran that aggregates.

Stink Bug
(08/17/2006) A new species for you -- I think
This guy came by to hang out at my computer this evening (St Paul, MN), and was kind enough to pose for some pictures. I think this is Banasa dimiata, a Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae. Yes, I know my wall is fuzzy :) Thanks for a great site! Best wishes--
henry



Hi Henry,
Thanks for the new Stink Bug species. We are splitting your letter apart as it makes it easier for us to post only one species per letter.

French Red Black Shieldbugs Mating
(08/14/2006) bug love
Hi Bugman!
you might wish to put this one on your website of bug loves & lives. I capturerd these two in France, South of the town of Bergerac. Cheers,
Sam Bal



Hi Sam,
If we didn't have to go to work today to grade final projects, we would love to stay online until we identified your mating Hemipterans, but we decided to try anyways. A search of "red black striped hemipteran europe" took us to a PDF document on the Red-Black Shieldbug, Graphosoma lineatum.

Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug
(07/23/2006) Twice-stabbing Stinkbug!
I wasn't intimidated by the looks of this bug.... until I discovered the NAME! Ooooh! I was able to narrow the ID to "stinkbug" on your site, then located the species on Bugguide. As always.... my day isn't complete until I browse your site... At least once, maybe twice. (but no stabbing) Thanks!
Jill (suburbs of Chicago)



Hi Jill,
We are sorry to inform you that your life might be incomplete today. We have been unable to post new submissions since yesterday, and we need some quality time with our web host to solve the problem. Sadly, it is Sunday and he might be taking the day off. Regardless, we will be posting your photo and letter and the soonest opportunity. Your Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug is a real looker.

Immature Stink Bug
(07/22/2006) I have a beetle invasion
This beetle showed up about four days ago (July17th ,2006) and there are many of them now. I think their coming out of a crack in the concrete near our door. I live in Abbotsford, BC, Canada and I've not seen this bug before. It is round, (about 10 mm in diameter) and is brown/black in colour. It's shell has an orange boarder. It has three pairs of black legs and moves slowly up walls, on glass, anywhere but drops if you touch it. Some appear to have a light olive green underside. And... here's the amassing thing; the appear to have a face like marking on their shell. There appears to be no split in the shell and therefore I don't think it has wings. Can anyone identify this bug?



This is some species of Stink Bug. We found a match on BugGuide that Eric Eaton has identified as the genus Chlorochroa. Your specimens are immature and will eventually grow wings.

Harlequin Bugs
(07/20/2006) Beautiful bugs
Hello! It's me again with pictures of some insects I found on my jogging trail, on a hill near home (Ensenada, México) They were on this plant. The bugs are a little bigger than 1/2 inch. I have not a clue. Arent they beautiful? Their name must be Leopard-something. I'm sending this to you because I love to take pictures and I think your site is great. So, don't worry, I can live with my ignorance a few more months
Antonio Carbajal R.



Hi Antonio,
These are Harlequin Bugs, a type of Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae.

Immature Stink Bug
(06/15/2006) what is it?
I found this bug in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. Never seen anything like it can you help me? Thanks
Jesse Knudson



Hi Jesse,
This is some species of immature Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae. Sorry, we can't be more specific.

Newly hatched Predatory Stink Bugs
(06/04/2006) Could these be Wheel Bug Nymphs?
Dear Bugman,
I have searched through many, many, MANY of your pages for this particular type of insect. The nearest I can come to I.D.ing it is a Wheel Bug Nymph but it just doesn't look precisely like one of those. I found these insects on the outside of the house tonight all huddled together. They seemed to sense danger was near and began to separate as the camera lens moved closer to them. They were not there this afternoon when I was outside. I am located in Richmond, Virginia. Thanks for any help you can give. I LOVE your website and refer to it frequently. I am usually successful in identifying insects without bothering you but I'm just not sure about this one.
Carol



Hi Carol,
These are newly hatched Predatory Stink Bugs, Euthyrhynchus floridanus. Great photo.

Predatory Stink Bugs newly hatched
(05/25/2006) Beetle, pest, harmless or just visiting?
BugmanI just this morning discovered your site. It's a great resource. Unfortunately I didn't take the time to look for this little (beetle ?) I have been searching the web for them and have grown weary of looking at hundreds of pictures. What are these little guys, and/or gals.I've never seen them before. This cluster is a little smaller in size than a dime. We live in central Virginia. I just found them Monday the 22nd sunning themselves. They were hanging out on our compost bin. We have been gardening now for about 10 years and have either:
(A) Overlooked these tiny aliens.
(B) They are at a stage of development that we have never noticed.
(C) They just arrived.
Thanks in advance and we look foreword to exploring your site.
Scott & Claudia Inge



Hi Scott and Claudia,
These are [NOT]immature Burrowing Bugs, probably Sehirus cinctus.

Correction (05/26/2006) immature burrowing bugs-a correction
Greetings!
Just wanted to let you know that the bugs identified as immature burrowing bugs (05/25/2006) are actually the larvae of a predatory pentatomid, Euthyrhynchus floridanus. According to the latest catalogue, they are found in eastern United States, from PA south to Mexico and Brazil. Great job with your site!
Cheers, ART EVANS
Arthur V. Evans, D.Sc.
Research Associate, Dept. of Entomology
, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
and
Dept. of Recent Invertebrates
Virginia Museum of Natural History

Mating Pentatomids in Taiwan
(05/13/2006) Brochymena
Hi Bugman,
We get these Brochymena in Taiwan, and by the looks of it there will be a few more soon! The local parks are overrun with them. Are they a worldwide pest? It seems some recent photos from Germany were of the same species.
Great site!
Tole



Hi Tole,
We aren't sure of your species and are reluctant to comment, other than to say your photo of Mating Pentatomids is a wonderful addition to our Bug Love pages.

Two-Spotted Stink Bug
(04/29/2006) A Bug in Ottawa
First time across the site but I'm impressed! Awesome! My father found this bug in our basement. I've seen a few of these before in our area (Ottawa, Ontario). I don't mind beetles unless they're harmful to trees. We know it's not a pine beetle but could you determine what it is? Oh yeah, it's about 1/4" to 3/8" long.
Greg
P.S. Sorry, I don't have any pictures but I've see another beetle similar to this one but slightly skinnier but same length. Could you give some possibilities? I'll try to get some pictures when they seem to come out in droves.



Hi Greg,
This is a predatory stink bug, the Two-Spotted Stink Bug, Perillus bioculatus. We suspect, due to the inclusion of the word "droves", that your unpictured insect is a Boxelder Bug.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
(03/12/2006) what's this bug
We've been finding these bugs in our attic and windows throughout the year. They've been showing their little faces on warm winter days too. We live in Pittsburgh, PA.
Thanks for any insight.
Joe



Hi Joe,
We thought this was a Brochymena, but Eric Eaton corrected us. He writes: " The Brochymena is actually the brown marmorated stink bug, an introduced species. I have not yet committed the scientific name to memory, sorry."

Stink Bug
(03/07/2006) name that bug
Hey Bugman,
Found this guy in our house in southern Ontario, Canada in March. It's been a mild winter. What's that bug?
Thanks,
Mark
Rockwood, Ontario



Hi Mark,
This is a Stink Bug. We believe it is in the genus Perillus. We will try to get an exact species name by contacting Eric Eaton. Here is Eric's input: " Yes, it is a Perillus sp., not sure which one. Could even still be the two-spotted, I would bet they are highly variable. Do check on bugguide and see if we have an image that matches. If not, we might like this one, too. Eric"

possibly Two Spotted Stink Bug but without the spots!!!!
(02/17/2006) Please id this bug for me
Hi Bug Man,
My kids found this bug in our house today; we live in NW Illinois. At first they thought it was a box elder bug or a shield bug, but I'm pretty sure it's not one of those. I've searched the "beetles" and "true bugs" sections of your site, and can't find it. We homeschool, so our regular lessons got dropped today for a little entemology! Can you help?
Thanks!
Sue



Hi Sue,
Our website is not without its flaws. Stink Bugs have been broken away from the more general category of True Bugs because we have gotten so many letters relating to them specifically. According to BugGuide, the Two Spotted Stink Bug, Perillus bioculatus, a predatory species, is a biological control against the Colorado Potato Beetle. Your specimen is undoubtedly the same genus, but there is a noticeable absence of the two spots. It is possibly just a color variation, or possibly a separate species. We will check with Julieta Brambila for a positive identification.

Brochymena
(01/26/2006) These Are In My House! Assassin Bug?
Hey
This is the 4th beetle like this I've found in my house in the past 2 weeks. I just find them in random places, though thy seem to be curiously close to windows (and one was on the floor in front of the fire place). I live in South Texas, is mildly cool right now, and these guys have never come in before now. I have a cat and a bird and I don't want either getting stung by something that could hurt them. Could you puh-LEEZE tell me what these guys are? Thank a million!
Maury



Hi Maury,
This is a predatory stink bug known as a Brochymena. Stink Bugs often seek shelter indoors in fall and winter.

Brochymena
(01/20/2006) What's this bug?
If you have the time, I©ˆd love to know!
Justin Soffer



Hi Justin,
This is a type of Predatory Stink Bug known as a Brochymena.

Stink Bug
(01/12/2006) Unknown Green & yellow bug
Hi, my name is Kathleen and I live in the southern part of New Jersey. I hope you can help me identify this little creature my spouse found in our apartment last night. My spouse and I spotted it on my oil lamp trying to climb up the strand that the 'rain drops' come down on. (It was having trouble because of the oil that was on there,though the lamp was off at the time.) We were able to get him out and put him in a water bottle with a small amount of water to rinse the oil off of it. (We also put many air holes in the bottle.) I searched the pics on your site and think it may be a true bug or stink bug...but I am not an expert and none were green with yellow spots like mine. Please give me any info you can on the creature and what we should do with it. I have attatched some pics (hope they help).
Thank you so much;
Kathleen & Bob
PS Your site is great! (So much info!)



Hi Kathleen and Bob,
This is a Stink Bug. We believe it to be in the genus, Chlorochroa, probably Chlorochroa sayi, Say's Stink Bug.

Update From Eric Eaton:
" The green stink bug is actually Banasa euchlora, substantially smaller than a Chlorochroa. I can see how the markings are confusing, though"

Two Spotted Stinkbug
(01/05/2006) What is this beetle
I was finally able to get a good picture of the mystery bug that my daughter found. Please give it a look. Again, it is about 1/4" long. We live in Maryland.
Thanks
Tara and Carol



Hi Tara and Carol,
This is a Two Spotted Stinkbug, Perillus bioculatus. It is one of the predatory Stinkbugs and it feeds on the larvae of the Colorado Potato Beetle as well as other insects. We found a site with more information.

Korean Hemipteran: Clown Stink Bug
(12/08/2005) Black & White Beetle (Korea, 2000)
Hi there WTB...
You were featured as "Bonzer Web Site of the Week" in Randy Cassingham's "This is True" weekly newsletter last week, and I'm glad you were.  Your site's great! I've gone through all your beetle pages and haven't found this one.  I encountered a couple of them near the shrubbery around my apartment building in Kyonggi Province, Korea, in 2000.  It's a great looking beetle, but I haven't been able to find out what it is.  Perhaps you can help.  There's no good reference object for sizing, but I recall they were around 3/4" long.
Regards,
Jim
Gambrills, MD



Hi there Jim,
Though we are not sure what species this is, we can tell you it is not a beetle. This is a Hemipteran, a True Bug. We believe it to be in the Family Pentatomidae, the Shield Bugs or Stink Bugs.

Hi Daniel... Thanks for correcting me. Now that I know it's a stink bug, I've been able to find it on the web. It's a clown stink bug (poecilocoris lewisi) nymph. Here's an adult. I never saw any adult clown stink bugs while in Korea, although brown colored ones were very common in the fall. Thanks!
Jim

Update and Link Correction (11/10/2006)
On your stink bugs page , there are two links to animalpicturearchive at the bottom of the "Korean Hemipteran: Clown Stink Bug" entry. One is for a clown stink bug nymph, and the other for an adult. I must say that the picture of the adult is beautiful, and clown stink bugs must have a very interesting life cycle. But the nymph on animalpicturearchive looks nothing like the one in the submitted picture. I think it might even be another species entirely. Fantastic site, either way!
Jess

Hi Jess,
Thanks for having a wonderful sense of humor about this. There is often a problem with our old postings and links because websites often vanish into the ether after several years. Occasionally websites are restructured which resulted in this problem that you have thankfully brought to our attention. The links are now corrected and the Clown Stink Bug, or kwang-dae-no-rhin-jae as it is known in Korea, will be readily identifiable once again.

Brochymena
(11/27/2005) dying beetle
Hi
We found this odd little guy on one of our bedroom floors. We're not sure where he came from, but he seemed to be in the throes of death, occasionally kicking a leg to prove he was still alive. Any ideas? I haven't seen anything that resembles him on-line as yet. We live in the western part of the San Fernando Valley in Southern California.
Thanks
Mark L.Scott



Hi Mark,
This is a Predatory Stinkbug known as a Brochymena.

Hawthorn Shield Bug
(11/24/2005) Hawthorn Shield Bug (Stinkbug) from England
Thought you might like my pictures of a Hawthorn Shield Bug (or is it a Birch Shield Bug?) taken in my garden near Liverpool, England. I see from your pages they are called stinkbugs in the US, although this one didn't stink, even when my curious eight year old dropped it (oops).
Sharron



Hi Sharron,
We also call the bugs in the family Pentatomidae Shield Bugs, but Stink Bugs is a more commonly used common name. We don't recognize your species, but we are thrilled to have it as an example.

Florida Predatory Stinkbug
(11/05/2005) What is this bug?
What kind of bug is this?
(Found in eastern, TN.)



Despite its common name, the Florida Predatory Stinkbug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus, also known as the Halloween Bug, ranges further north than the Sunshine State. According to BugGuide: "Predatory on other insects, including caterpillars, beetle. Nymphs, and to some extent, adults, are gregarious, and may attack large prey in groups."

Brochymena
(10/25/2005) Some type of shield bug?
We have some type of Shield Bug (we think), and were wondering if you could help us identify it, an maybe pass along any information on it.   We live in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California (Between San Jose and Santa Cruz),  it is a forrested area, Redwoods, Douglas Firs, and some oak.  It is a true bug with 8 legs, and as I said we think it is a type of shield bug. My 5 year old daughter has twice captured this bug, and has named him (?) Harold. Any information you could pass along would be great, she loves bugs and we hope to encourage this passion.
Thanks,
Alissa and Rowan
PS.  Are you familiar with the Video "A Day With Bugs"?  If so could you suggest any other similar insect videos for children, we watch this one at least once a day.  Thanks Again.



Hi Alissa and Rowan,
You are correct. This is a Shield Bug, Family Pentatomidae. This is actually a Brochymena, one of the predatory Stink Bugs. It is well camouflaged for blending in with tree bark. They are found in orchards, woods and isolated trees. They feed on caterpillars and other soft bodied insects.
We are not familiar with the video you mentioned, but personally we love Microcosmos.

Spined Soldier Bug eats Monarch Caterpillar
(08/31/2005) Any idea the name of this specimen?
Can you help identify this caterpillar recently found munching on goldenrod leaves.  Thanks. You might also be interested in the attached shot of a Monarch caterpillar recently done in by the stink bug lurking in the shadows.
Colin Freebury
Ottawa, Ontario Canada



Hi Colin,
We don't have an ID on your caterpillar yet, but we are thrilled to post your Spined Soldier Bug,Podisus maculiventris, one of the Predatory Stink Bugs, with its Monarch Meal. Here is a site with more information on this Predatory Stink Bug.

Predatory Stink Bug
(08/30/2005) Stink Bug?
Hello,
I was wondering if you could help me identify this little guy. I found him when I was mowing the lawn, having a snack of the caterpillars seen in the second image (Gypsy Moth?). He looked intriguing, so I knocked him off and took him up to the porch for a better look. My first guess is some form of stink bug, since it ejected some kind of liquid from its abdomen when perturbed, and the description seems to match the letter from 'April' on the Stink Bug page. I haven't been able to find any pictures similar in coloring on your website, so I elected to ask the master. Any idea? He was about a half inch long, iridescent green body with red highlights. Found in North Florida.
-Alex



Hi Alex,
We agree this is a Predatory Stink Bug, and we turned to Eric Eaton for assistance. Here is his response: "Yes, nymph of predatory stinkbug, something floridanus:-)  Hey, I have to leave a LITTLE work for you" So a Google search gave us this site which has information on your insect, which we believe to be Alcaeorrhynchus grandis. There is a link to another page with the Florida Predatory Stink Bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus, an easily confused species in early stages.

Predatory Pentatomid
(07/24/2005) one for your eastern collection
Hi from Nova Scotia, Canada. Love the site and very informative for my photography. Shot this guy up in tree eating what appears to be a swallowtail caterpillar. Good to see other people who like the insects in their areas..
Chris Fralic
Halifax, Nova Scotia



Hi Chris,
The identification of immature specimens is often very difficult. We checked with Eric Eaton who echoed that: "I dont know.  Good luck finding anyone who can ID nymphs!  That could either be a pentatomid or an above-ground burrower bug in the genus Sehirus.  Best I can do. " Some species in the Family Pentatomidae, the Stink Bugs or Shield Bugs, are predatory. Appears you have one of those.

Harlequin Bug
(07/21/2005) a nicer cabbage bug
Hi Mr. Bug Man,
Here is a "nicer" picture of what looks like a harlequin cabbage bug on your web site. You are welcome to use this if you care to. This one has been relaxing outside my house in Northern New Mexico for a few days on a tall weed. I think it's charming, but then I'm not a gardener!



Thanks for the image.

Harlequin Bugs
(07/19/2005) Can you identify beetle
I hope you can identify this insect, I think beetle, but not leaf beetle. The above photo shows it to be 3/8 inch. The below photos shows a pair (mating?). My location is San Luis Valley, Colorado. 8,000 ft elevation. Very arid. I first saw them at our creek on tumble mustard. A couple a days later they arrived in the garden 500 feet away on the horse radish leaves (probably 100). There are only a couple on the potatoes which are next to the horse radish. None on any other garden produce. Any ideas? Are they harmful or beneficial? What can discourage them? Thanks,
Dave



Hi Dave,
These are winged adult Harlequin Bugs, Murgantia histrionica. They do feed on mustard in vacant lots and fields. When they move to the garden they infest cabbage, kale, collards and related plants. The best control is to locate the eggs which are barrel shaped and in rows. Hand picking will also do the trick. Also, when your crop is harvested, immediately remove any remaining plants that serve to perpetuate the infestation.

(07/16/2005)
While trying to pull out ivy and invasive crawling grasses from around our squash plants, we stumbled upon this Spendor in the Grass: Two Green Stinkbugs embracing. We hurried indoors for the camera and had a difficult time relocting them, but they were very cooperative for the camera.



Ed. Note Update: (12/03/2005)
stink bugs identified!
Greetings Bugman, I am browsing your site and enjoying the information and beautiful photos.  Thanks for doing a great service to the public.  From my recent work in agricultural entomology, I instantly recognized some of the little stinkers on your site, so I thought I'd point them out. Green Stinkbugs: Splendor in the Grass (07/16/2005) This looks like the red-shouldered stink bug, Thyanta custator.  It is fairly common but not as harmful as some other stink bugs like the southern green.  It should not be confused with a similar invasive South American species, Piezodorus guildinii, which has a two-toned black and orange or black and white stripe.
Take care,
Heather Spaulding

Say's Stink Bug
(07/02/2005) I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and just noticed yesterday that all the hollyhocks in my yard are suddenly covered with this bug.  I thought it was a Southern Green Stink Bug, but haven't been able to find any information on stink bugs feeding on hollyhocks.  All of the hollyhocks are dying.  How can I get rid of them and are they really a stink bug?  We haven't noticed any odor when we mess with them.  I also have Irises, roses, and red tipped photinias in my yard.  Are those plants at risk for infestation? Thanks,
Vanessa Alter
PS - great website!



Hi Vanessa,
If your bug isn't stinky, maybe you don't have a sensitive nose. Bugs in the Family Pentatomidae are commonly known as Stink Bugs or Shield Bugs. Eric Eaton writes: "The green shield bug is Say's stink bug, Chlorochroa sayi. The row of three pale spots on the back are diagnostic as far as I know. I would consider them only minor pests." Regarding their feasting on your hollyhocks, you might try handpicking them early in the morning before they become active.

Stink Bug
(06/10/2005) What is this ?
Hi,
Noticed this guy crawling outside my window. Could you tell me what it is? I live in Nova Scotia Canada.



Hi John and Tracey,
Your Stink Bug,Menecles insertus, photos are perhaps the most intriguingly beautiful ones we have seen. They are truly works of art.

Stink Bug
(05/05/2005) What is this?
We are currently living in Germany and I have found 3 of these bugs in my house this spring.  The first one was on the bathroom floor and was all dried up and dead when I found it like it had fallen out of a crack.  The other two were alive and crawling around, one upstairs and one down, in hallways when I found them.  I have not seen any for a month, but worry if it is some sort of harmful bug.  We do have a dog and small children.
Thanks!
Margie Lucas



Hi Margie,
Stink Bugs or Shield Bugs from the Family Pentatomidae are harmless to humans and pets, but they do emit a disagreeable odor. They also seek shelter inside homes to hibernate over winter, which is probably why you have recently found them.

Immature Stink Bug
(11/05/2004) bug
Who is my happy bug with the smiley faced back? Collected in the woodchips around my house in Orange, CA 92867
Ross



Hi Ross,
Your bug is a True Bug or Hemipteran, from the Family Pentatomidae commonly known as Stink Bugs. Immature forms are often difficult to properly identify as to species, so you will have to be content with the generalized Stink Bug identification.

Ed. Note Update: (12/03/2005)
stink bugs identified!Greetings Bugman, I am browsing your site and enjoying the information and beautiful photos.  Thanks for doing a great service to the public.  From my recent work in agricultural entomology, I instantly recognized some of the little stinkers on your site, so I thought I'd point them out. Immature Stink Bug (11/05/2004) and (11/03/2004) Judging by the black, white, and pink markings, these pictures are of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula.  It is an important pest of soybeans, peas, and other legume crops.
Take care,
Heather Spaulding

Immature Stink Bug
(11/03/2004) A couple of bugs for you!
Hi,
After you so superbly identified a beetle larvae for me earlier this year I made the mistake of telling my mother about your site - upon which she produced an entire packet of unidentified bug pictures. If you get a chance could you have a look at the pics attached and let me know what you think? I’ve searched your site and am unable to find either of them. (I apologise about the quality of the pics but they are digital photos of her prints).
Many thanks,
James Stratton.



Hi James,
We would love to satisfy your mother's curiosity. The green bug is an immature Stink Bug from the family Pentatomidae. It is difficult to positively identify the species in immature phases.

Ed. Note Update: (12/03/2005)
stink bugs identified!Greetings Bugman, I am browsing your site and enjoying the information and beautiful photos.  Thanks for doing a great service to the public.  From my recent work in agricultural entomology, I instantly recognized some of the little stinkers on your site, so I thought I'd point them out. Immature Stink Bug (11/05/2004) and (11/03/2004) Judging by the black, white, and pink markings, these pictures are of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula.  It is an important pest of soybeans, peas, and other legume crops.
Take care,
Heather Spaulding

(02/06/2004) how to get rid of stink bugs???
Hi Bugman!
My name is Cynthia I live just outside of Stuttgart, Germany.  September 2003 we moved into a new apartment.  After a few weeks, the outside windows were covered by dozens of 'stink bugs'.  They look like the ones I remember from my childhood growing up in Charlotte, NC.  I've attached a photo.  They did everything they could to get into the apartment and we tried everything to keep them out.  The last tenant said he never saw such bugs during his two years living here.  During the Winter months, we did not see any of the bugs.  This first week in Feb. has been quite warm and now every morning I have to remove 2-5 bugs from the apartment.  The 'What's That Bug' site says these bugs are plant eaters, but I have not found any on my house plants.  This house does have lots of wood paneling.  Could that be attracting them?  Any suggestions on how to keep them out?  They are a real pest and really make my skin crawl!
Thanks for any suggestions you can give!
Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,
You do have a Stink Bug, Family Pentatomidae. They can be recognized by the shieldlike shape and the large triangular scutullum, the posterior portion of the thorax. They are plant eaters, for the most part, though some prey on other insects. The mouthparts are designed for piercing and sucking, so you won't notice any chewed leaves. If the winter weather is warming, they could have roused themselves from hibernation and are seeking a new place to finish wintering over, hence their attraction to your house. They are seeking shelter, not food, so it is difficult to keep them out without making your house inhospitable. Sorry, I have no control advice.

(9/7/2003) So Many Stink Bugs
hello, I live in B.C Canada, and recently there has been a literal invasion of stink bugs in our hom. There is at least 10 in ever room, and when the sun is shining on the exterior of our house, it is not even possible to go outside without being literally attacked by these bugs. We are thinking that the reason there are so many of them is that there have not been cold winters in the past two or three years... could that be the reason we have so many?
Victim of the STINK BUG

Dear Victim,
Some type of condition is responsible for the population explosion this year, and it could be weather or it could be a plentiful food supply. I hope the condition doesn't persist.

STINKY!
(2/18/03) I recently came across a message where you had identified the dreaded "stink bug". I live in northern Michigan near Petoskey. I build a new house in the winter of 2002 and in August of 2002 was invaded by brown stink bugs. I have 2 plants which I have never seen the bugs near. I usually find them near the windows. I am desperate to get rid of these ugly creatures!!!! Please advise me of anything you know that would be helpful.
Thank you,
Ami Watkins

Dear Ami,
What constitutes an invasion? A few stink bugs might have wandered into the house through the door and then were drawn to the windows because of the light. They are accidental visitations, much like the occasional fly or bee which finds itself indoors and wants nothing more than to get out. Also, they are seasonal, maturing in the late summer when you found them. You shouldn't have a problem when they are in their wingless stages. Rest assured that stinkbugs will not take up permanent residence in your new home. Ants, roaches, termites and silverfish are a bigger concern.

October 19, 2002
Hi:
I live in Overland Park, KS and came across this critter in the living room, of all places! I assume that the oncoming cold of winter is driving many bugs to seek food and warmth inside. This guy seemed harmless enough. I released him back outside in the garden.
Can you tell me what this bug is?
Thanks!
John Derry
Overland Park, KS

Dear John,
You just released a species of Stink Bug into your yard. They are true bugs, and as such, have sucking mouth parts which they use to extract the life giving juices from plants. Because of this habit of feeding, they are considered injurious and are garden pests, consuming a wide variety of edible and ornamental cultivated plants. They are sometimes attracted to lights, which could explain its presence in your home. The Stink Bugs (Family Pentatomidae) secrete a noxious odor from glands on the thorax, hence their common name.

Thanks for the informative reply...now I gotta go get a flashlight and git that sucker!
-john

5/2002
Daniel:
      I am needing a little guidance from you. In the last 2 nights, I have discovered 2 large shiny green bugs in my bed! They were about 3/4 of an inch long and about 1/2 inch wide and look like a beetle variety. They have long legs and do emit an odor when I was chasing it. Both times, they were crawling on my bed and I heard them flying about my room. I don't know if they are stink bugs, since I know other bugs do emit odors. I am wondering what I can do to get rid of these pests because I don't want to get back into bed! Please help me.
April

Dear April,
      Though you provided no geographical information which could help in my identification of local species, I think your guess that the large shiny green bugs in your bed might be stink bugs could be correct. Here in Los Angeles, we have two species of green stink bugs belonging to the family Pentatomidae, both of the genus Chlorochroa, from the Greek chlôros which means "yellow-green". They are the same general size that you describe.
       Stinkbugs are true bugs, not beetles since they undergo incomplete, not complete metamorphosis. They are not shiny like a tiger beetle, but they are a vivid green. Tiger beetles, family Cicindelidae, are often a shiny, metalic green or blue green, and have very long legs that they use to chase down their prey. They are good fliers, often being mistaken for flies, but they like sunny weather and don't emit an offensive odor. Stink bugs, on the other hand do emit an offensive odor as a defense mechanism, and are often attracted to lights at night, which could explain how they wound up in your bed. Probably the last lights you turned off in the house before retiring were in your bedroom, luring the stink bugs to your bed. Conserving electricity by keeping fewer lights on in the home might keep unwanted visitors from your bed.

1/17/02 I live in New Hampshire and am having a problem with stink bugs. It is winter and we keep finding them in the house, on the windows, in the bathroom, etc. We seem to find one a week, where are they coming from?
Jane H.

Dear Jane H.
     Stink bugs are notorious plant eaters, and they use their sucking mouthparts like a syringe to withdraw the vital fluids from their host plants. The most common species are either green or harlequin (red and black) and the green varieties are sometimes attracted to lights. These are the true stinkers in the insect world as well as being true bugs with incomplete metamorphosis.  Without more information regarding the actual species I cannot conclude anything more than that perhaps the warm fall weather increased their survival rate outdoors and they entered the house for warmth, or else a houseplant, especially one that was outside this summer, has become their indoor host.  Check your plants.
—Daniel Marlos

3/7/02
MY name is joey. Today a bug fell of my wall the bug is mostly orange with black stripes and when i squeshed it it smelt really bad. it had six legs and like a spout like thing under its head the back is like a oval. I was just wondering what it was and if it was harmful. I live in VA to if that helps please write back sone the bug was half a starburst or a little more
                                                                                              JOEY
Dear Joey,
The reason your bug smelt so badly is because it was probably a type of stink bug (family Pentatomidae) of the harlequin variety.  They are true bugs, hence the sucking mouthparts which may look like a spout.  They are not harmful to humans, except for the foul smelling odor which they emit from glands near the hind legs.  The odor serves to discourage or repel enemies.  The harlequin stink bug can be harmful to plants, especially those of the cabbage family, and they use their sucking mouthparts to withdraw vital fluids from their hosts, occasionally causing major damage when large numbers of bugs are present.
—Daniel Marlos "What's That Bug?"