Article author: Dalton Ludwick
Most recently reviewed by: Pat Porter & Extension Entomologist at Weslaco (Vacant) (2021)

Common Name(s): Brown marmorated stink bug

Description

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål, is an invasive stink bug species in the United States. This stink bug belongs to the family Pentatomidae. Hundreds of native stink bugs exist in the United States; some stink bug species are predatory and feed on other arthropods while other species are herbivorous and feed on plant tissues.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have five-segmented antennae with alternating black and white markings. On adults, black and white abdominal segments protrude from the margins of the wings when at rest. Adults range in size from 1/2 to 5/8”. Furthermore, immature brown marmorated stink bug have black and white markings present on the hind legs..

Populations of this pest can go unchecked allowing for immeasurable numbers of this pest. Where brown marmorated stink bug populations build, nuisance issues can occur in springs and falls when overwintering adult insects seek out shelter in human-made structures or emerge from their shelters.

Origin and Distribution

Brown marmorated stink bug is native to China but the species has invaded other countries including South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Brown marmorated stink bug has been found in 46 states in the United States. Population size and resulting damage vary from state to state ranging from detections to severe infestations and agricultural damage.

 

EDDMapS. 2021. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed February 15, 2021.

Habitat & Hosts

Brown marmorated stink bug is an herbivorous insect with a wide range of host plants (Leskey et al. 2012a, Bergmann et al. 2016). Hosts include unmanaged wildlands where plants such as tree of heaven, black walnut, and cherry species grow as well as managed areas growing vegetables, ornamentals, small fruits, and tree fruit. As a result of the wide host range and its ability to disperse, this stink bug will travel across the landscape to find suitable hosts. Brown marmorated stink bug typically is found feeding on foliage and fruiting structures of plants.

Life Cycle

Brown marmorated stink bug follows the life cycle of a true bug: egg, nymph, and adult. Depending on the location, up to two generations can occur. In Texas, it is probable that brown marmorated stink bug would have two generations similar to other southern regions in the United States.

The first stage encountered in the spring is the adult. Adults emerge from overwintering sites (e.g., homes, human-made structures, tree bark) once temperatures and daylengths are favorable. Adults will then seek out sources of food, including tree of heaven and many other hosts. Adult females require more time to prepare for mating, but they will start mating in the spring. After mating, females will typically lay egg masses on the underside of leaves. On average, there are approximately 28 eggs/mass.

Upon hatch, first instar immature insects emerge from eggs almost simultaneously and reside on top of the egg mass. After reaching the second instar, the insects move off the egg mass and onto plant tissues where they feed. All immature stages past the second instar continue to feed on the plant. After completing their immature development, the adult brown marmorated stink bugs will feed, mate, and lay egg masses for the next generation.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Management varies significantly by situation and crop. There are more than 170 plant species than can be used as hosts, including field/sweet corn, cotton, soybeans, hemp, apple, peach, and other crops.,

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, then contact your local extension for management options.

Related Publications

Management of brown marmorated stink bug in specialty crops. StopBMSB.

Citations

Bergmann, E. J., P.D. Venugopal, H.M. Martinson, M.J. Raupp, and P. M. Shrewsbury. 2016. Host plant use by the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) on woody ornamental trees and shrubs. PLoS One. 11: e0149975.

Leskey, T.C., G.C. Hamilton, A.L. Nielsen, D.F. Polk, C. Rodriguez-Saona, J.C. Bergh, D.A. Herbert, T.P. Kuhar, D. Pfeiffer, G.P. Dively, C.R.R. Hooks, M.J. Raupp, P.M. Shrewsbury, G. Krawczyk, P.W. Shearer, J. Whalen, C. Koplinka-Loehr, E. Myers, D. Inkley, K.A. Hoelmer, D.-H. Lee, S.E. Wright. 2012. Pest status of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys in the USA. Outlooks on Pest Management. 23: 218–226.