Stink Bugs Description

Species

• Stink bugs are found throughout most of the world. In North America, there are 221 identified species of stink bugs, concentrated mainly in the southern states.

  Stink bugs share a number of identifiable features, but vary somewhat in appearance from one species to another.

Body Shape

• As adults, all species of stink bugs have relatively broad shield-shaped bodies and small heads. Their wings lie flat on their backs, following the lines of their bodies.

Size

• Depending upon the species, adult stink bugs can be as small as 5 millimeters long and as large as 19 millimeters long.

Color

• Stink bugs come in a wide range of colors, but adults are often green, grey or brown. Some have a uniform color, such as the green stink bug, while others, like the brown marmorated stink bug, have color variations and markings.

Defense

• The stink bug's defense is what gives the species its name. When threatened, it releases a pungent odor from its thoracic glands.