How Do Stink Bugs Reproduce?

General

• Stink bugs are members of the order of insects called the Hemiptera, or true bugs, and are related to assassin bugs, plant bugs, aphids and mealy bugs. They are known for scaring away predators by secreting a foul-tasting, foul-smelling liquid from their pores. The majority of stink bug species are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including some important crops such as corn, soy beans and cotton. A few species are predators that feed on caterpillars and other pests. Stink bugs develop through a process called incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of three phases: egg, nymph and adult.

Eggs

• In early summer, female stink bugs lay clusters of eggs on the leaves and stems of plants. The size and appearance of the eggs vary by species. For example, green stink bugs lay barrel-shaped eggs that are yellow to green in color. They turn pink to gray as they age. Brown stink bugs lay white, kettle-shaped eggs. The southern green stink bug lays cream colored eggs that turn pink right before hatching.

Nymphs

• When the nymphs hatch from the eggs, they resemble tiny, wingless versions of adult stink bugs. Over the course of approximately five weeks, the nymphs pass through five instars, or stages, as they grow towards adulthood. They molt, or shed their skin, between each stage. They look a little more like an adult after each molting.

Adult

• An adult stink bug has a shield-shaped body, small head, antennae with five segments and a large, triangular body segment called a scutellum that extends halfway down its body. They resemble beetles, however, beetles have wings that meet in the middle and mouth parts for chewing while stink bugs have overlapping wings and mouth parts for piercing. Some stink bugs, such as the harlequin bug, are brightly colored. Others, such as the green stink bug or brown stink bug, are camouflaged with green, brown or gray coloration. In cold months the adults hide under leaves or ground cover and become inactive. Their period of activity begins when temperatures reach 70 degrees or above. When stink bugs feed, their piercing mouth causes physical damage that allows diseases to enter the plant's tissues.