| Size: |
Nymph sizes range from 1/8 inch to the size of the adults as the insect grows and molts. The adults are approximately 5/8 inch long. |
| Color: |
Mottled brownish grey color |
| Characteristics: |
Not sure if your invader is a stink bug? Look for antennal segments with a white band. Also, several of their abdominal segments protrude from beneath the wings and are alternatively banded with black and white. Their underside is white, sometimes with grey or black markings, and legs are brown with faint white banding. People have commented on the bug's rather pungent odor when picked up or vacuumed. |
| Geographic Range: |
The native home of this insect is in Asia, but in 1996 the insect was first reported in the Allentown, PA area. Since that time, stink bugs have been steadily spreading and are now found throughout Western's area of operation. |
| Food: |
Host plants include maple, serviceberry, birch, butterfly bush, pepper, pecan, catalpa, hackberry, redbud, citrus, dogwood, cucumber, tomatoes, fig, sunflower, honeysuckle, tomato, apple, plum, pear, rose, lilac, linden, viburnum and grape. |
| Biology: |
Toward the end of September, shorter days and decreasing temperatures cause adult stink bugs to seek overwintering sites. They tend to congregate in large numbers, invading homes and becoming a nuisance. During this time, they do not feed or reproduce. In fact, females are incapable of reproducing until early spring. When the weather warms, the bugs emerge and lay eggs in June and July, which are 1/16 of an inch and pale green. Most egg masses have about 25 eggs. Nymphs develop to adulthood within about two months. |
