Stink Bugs & Allies
What are they?
Stink Bugs and related species form the family Pentatomidae. Stink Bugs are well-known for the noxious odor they are capable of emitting, while other species in this family are colorful and easily attract attention. Their shape and hardened wing cases make some of them look rather like beetles, from which they can be readily told by the structure of the head and antennae. Many of these species are well-known as crop pests, with both nymphs and adults feeding voraciously on plant material.
Identification
Though a few species are small and can be difficult to identify, many species can be identified fairly easily, based on overall color and markings.
Brown Marbled Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys
Native to Asia and first reported in North America in 1998, this species is now widespread and found in some 40 US States. As so often seems to be the case with introduced species, this is already a serious pest species on crops and is overwhelmingly the commonest stink bug species in the Cape May area. Native species hibernate as adults in leaf litter and similar areas, but this species enters buildings to overwinter and is often encountered buzzing noisily around the room when awoken by winter heating. Very similar to some native species in the genus Euschistus but the markings of Halyomorpha are subtly different and distinct if looked at with care.
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Southern Green Stink Bug Nezara viridula
A relatively large, bright green species that is common and widespread and feeds on a wide range of plant species.
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Green Stink Bug Chinavia hilaris
A common and widespread species, feeding on a very wide range of plant species. Young nymphs are mostly blackish, becoming gradually more yellow-green as they grow. Adults are green.
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Banasa calva
A widespread species, feeding on a wide range of plant species. The Banasa species can be difficult to tell apart, but this appears to be a fairly common species in our area. Adults tend to have a two-toned pronotum and dark spots on the sides of the abdomen.
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Banasa sordida
A common and widespread species, feeding on a very wide range of plant species. The Banasa species can be difficult to tell apart, but this appears to be the commonest species in this genus in our area. Adults tend to be overall rather dark in color and may be found throughout the summer or early fall.
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Harlequin Bug Murgantia histrionica
Introduced from Central America, with populations controlled by winter weather. An attractive species which is readily recognized. Color varies from red, through orange to yellow, with black markings. Feeds on a range of plant species, but seems to be particularly attracted to members of the cabbage family.
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