Stink Bug

Common: Consperse Stink Bug, Southern Green Stink Bug, Say Stink Bug

Scientific: Nezara viridula, Chlorockroa say, Euschistus consperus

Crop Hosts: Many, particularly soybeans, cotton, legumes, caneberries.

Identification and Life Cycle: The adults are 5/8-inch long, light green in color with sharp piercing-sucking mouth parts. The bug overwinter as adults, and during April and May feed on various berries and plants. In August, after pod set the female lays 300 to 600 eggs on the leaves of the soybean. There are several instars and the entire life cycle takes 40 to 45 days. Typically, there is one generation a year and the overwintering adult can live 7 to 9 months.

Geographical Distribution: Found primarily in the Gulf Coast and the southeastern states, as well as in California.

Damage and Treatment: The bugs are particularly damaging to soybeans. The developing seed pod is punctured and the seed is injured. On the other crops they are generally feeders.

Treatment should be made when insect populations and/or damage levels reach economic thresholds. Refer to local University Extension Pest Management Guidelines for specific state thresholds.