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The Habitat of the Spined Soldier Bug

The spined soldier bug, or podisus maculiventris, is part of the hemiptera order of insects, so classified because of its sucking mouthparts. It is also referred to by the scientific term "pentatomidae," meaning five-sided. It is most commonly known as a stink bug for its ability to produce a strong odor as a defense mechanism. The habitat of the spined soldier bug is among flowering plants and food crops like tomatoes and potatoes.

Range
- The spined soldier bug is one of many stink bugs. It is found in most locations in the United States and is identified by its pale brown or tan coloration. It also has a distinctive black line on its wing tips. The spined soldier bug is one of the most widespread stink bugs in North America according to the AgriLife Extension of Texas A&M University. Its primary habitat is based upon its predatory nature; it seeks out plants and crops where its prey live.
Crop Fields
- The spined soldier bug is a predator that counts over 100 different species among its victims. These victims live among and attack crops like beans, eggplant, asparagus and onions. The spined soldier bug is a valued species for the farmer. It eats insects, beetles and caterpillars that destroy crops. Wherever you find growing crops, you will most likely find the spined soldier bug.
Gardens
- Another likely habitat for the spined soldier bug is a garden. Its prey includes many insects that attack flowering plants. The bug, which is approximately 1 centimeter long, specifically hunts slow-moving creatures, according to the University of Kentucky Entomology. Once it has caught its prey, the bug's mouthpiece drains the fluids from its victims. The spined soldier bug also uses the leaves of plants as the laying location for its eggs, which are found in clusters of 20 to 30.
Specific Use
- A specific use of the spined soldier bugs in one habitat is the potato fields in the state of Washington. The bug is purposely released to counteract the destructive forces of the Colorado potato beetle. Working in collaboration with the two-spotted stink bug, the spined soldier bug has aided in the elimination of up to 50 percent of potato beetles, according to reports.

Nature