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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Halyomorpha halys

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A global traveler with a shield-shaped shell, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is as famous for its 'stinky' defense as it is for its love of backyard gardens. Once a local resident of East Asia, it has now become one of the most common insects found on window screens across North America and Europe.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

1.7 cm (0.7 in) long and roughly 1.2 cm (0.5 in) wide

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Colors

Mottled brown, grey, and copper on the back; creamy white underside; distinctive white bands on dark antennae

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Key Features

Shield-shaped body with a 'marmorated' or marbled brown appearance
Two white bands on the last segments of the antennae
Alternating dark and light rectangular patterns along the edge of the abdomen

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 10 AM - 5 PM

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Season May-October (gardens), October-November (entering homes)

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Diet A generalist herbivore that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to drink juices from over 100 plant species, including apples, peaches, tomatoes, berries, and corn.

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Habitat Orchards, farms, suburban gardens, and residential structures during winter months.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Live?

Native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has become a widespread invasive species across the globe. It was first identified in North America in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1998 and has since expanded its footprint across the United States and southern Canada. Beyond the Americas, it is now firmly established throughout much of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and has recently been detected in South American countries like Chile, thriving in temperate and subtropical climates.

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9 Countries

32M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CN China JP Japan South Korea US United States CA Canada Switzerland IT Italy DE Germany CL Chile

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a highly mobile herbivore known for its distinctive 'shield' shape and its potent chemical defense. When threatened or crushed, it releases a pungent, cilantro-like odor from scent glands located on its abdomen. While they are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting, they are considered a major agricultural pest and a significant nuisance in residential areas.

These insects are particularly famous for their overwintering behavior. As temperatures drop in the fall, they seek out warm, dry spaces to enter a state of diapause. This often leads them to congregate in massive numbers on the sunny sides of buildings, eventually crawling into wall voids, attics, and crawlspaces. During the summer, they are active flyers, moving between various host plants to feed and mate.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug on a backyard camera, timing is everything. During the spring and summer months, place your camera near known host plants. They are particularly fond of fruiting plants like tomato vines, sunflower heads, and butterfly bushes. Because these bugs are small, use a camera with a short focal length or macro capabilities, and position it about 6 to 12 inches away from the foliage where they are likely to crawl.

The best opportunity for high-volume sightings is during the 'overwintering' rush in late September and October. Mount your camera on the southern or western exterior wall of your home. These surfaces absorb the most sunlight and act as natural magnets for the bugs as they look for warmth. Angle the camera to look along the surface of the siding or around window frames, where they tend to gather in groups before finding a way inside.

Since these insects are attracted to specific wavelengths of light, placing your camera near a porch light or using a light-trap setup can yield great results at dusk. For the most detailed images, ensure your camera is set to a high-resolution photo mode rather than video, as the fine details of their antennae bands and abdominal markings are crucial for distinguishing them from native stink bug species. Avoid using heavy baits; instead, look for the 'scout' bugs that appear first on sunny afternoons.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

Brown Stink Bug

A native species that lacks the white marmorated patches on its back and has small spines on its shoulders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans or pets. Their only real defense is the foul-smelling liquid they release when they feel threatened or are crushed.

Look closely at the antennae; the Brown Marmorated variety has two distinct white bands. Additionally, check the edges of the abdomen for a crisp, alternating dark and light rectangular pattern, which native species usually lack.

In the fall, you don't need food—just sun! They are highly attracted to sun-warmed, light-colored walls on the south side of buildings. In summer, they are most likely to be found on ripening fruit or vegetable plants.

They are looking for a place to hibernate (diapause) through the winter. They prefer dry, protected spaces like attics or wall voids where they can stay dormant until the spring thaw.

They are generalist feeders that love fruits like apples, berries, and peaches, as well as vegetables like peppers, beans, and corn. They also feed on the leaves and stems of many ornamental trees.

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