PEST PROFILES: STINKBUGS

---

Adult Nymph Click on image to view larger.

Stink bugs Description: Southern green stink bugadults are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length and are solid green. Immature stages vary in color from black to green. Development from egg to adult takes about 35 days, but varies with temperature. Up to 5 generations per year may occur. Damage: Southern green stink bugs feeds on a wide variety of developing fruit, including peaches and tomatoes, and seeds such as pecan. They also feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit of many ornamental plants. When ripened or nearly ripened fruit is injured, the injection of toxic saliva merely kills a cluster of cells that later forms an off-colored hard mass in the fruit, reducing fruit quality and producing a bad flavor. Some plant diseases are spread by stink bug feeding. Life cycle: Adults deposit barrel-shaped eggs; immature stages develop through 5 instars that appear similar to adults except that they do not have fully developed wings. Several generations can be produced each year.