Bugs That Are Look-a-Likes to Stink Bugs

Common Stink Bug Types

• The brown marmorated stink bug, one of the most common and problematic varieties in the United States, has a mottled brown-gray color and antennae with alternating dark and light bands. They measure around five-eighths of an inch long and frequently find their way indoors. The brown stink bug stays outdoors, measures around one-half inch in length and appears gray-yellow with dark punctures on its back. The Brochymena species looks similar to the brown marmorated stink bug but with protruding teeth, while the Menecles insertus has a solid brown appearance and rounded thorax.

Squash Bug

• The squash bug measures approximately 1-inch long and has a gray or brown color. The head end of the squash bug comes to a point similar in appearance to the stink bug's head, but unlike the stink bug, the back end of the squash bug looks like an elongated oval. Some specimens have alternating light and dark bands on the antennae, while others have solid-color antennae. Squash bugs appear most frequently during the late summer but rarely appear indoors.

Western Conifer Seed Bug

• The western conifer seed bug, also called the western pine seed bug, measures 1-inch long and has a dull reddish-brown color. Both ends of the pine seed bug come to a point and the antennae extend out as long as the body. Pine seed bugs look more elongated in shape as compared to the stink bug. Additionally, they have a faint white zig-zag across the center of the back. While harmless, these bugs do commonly find their way indoors.

Spined Soldier Bug

• The spined soldier bug has a noticeable spine on the middle of the front tibia and spines on the front corners of the thorax. It measures roughly one-half-inch long and has a light brown appearance. Small black specks dot the backside of the bug and a short black line extends from the wing tips past the abdomen. It stays outdoors and feeds on a variety of crop pests, making it a benefit to a garden or crop field rather than a nuisance.

Striped Shield Bug

• The striped shield bug belongs to the same family as the stink bug, but lacks the foul smell associated with such insects. It has the pointed, shield-like back of a stink bug but otherwise has a distinct appearance. The striped shield bug has a black body with five pronounced red lines running vertically along the pronotum. It has a red underside with black dots. The striped shield bug gravitates towards carrot crops and avoids migrating indoors.