Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Nezara viridulus (alternate spelling)
described in 1758 by Linnaeus, who originally placed it in genus Cimex
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America listed at
nearctica.comSize
Adult males average about 12 mm in length; females average about 13 mm.
Identification
Adult: green overall; scutellum has black dot in each basal corner; third and fourth antennae segments mostly reddish except at base; connexivium uniformly colored (with no or very tiny dark dot on apical margin of each abdominal segment); side of pronotum slightly concave in anterior half; second abdominal sternite has rounded medial spine; ventral scent gland pore short and broad
Nymphs undergo a remarkable change in coloration: first instars are light yellowish with red eyes and transparent legs and antennae; they stay clustered near the eggs and do not feed. Second instars have black head, legs, and antennae; the thorax is also black, with a yellow spot on each outer side. The abdomen is dark red to black with numerous white spots. Third and fourth instars differ from the second in size and an overall greenish color becoming apparent (compare an
example image). Wing pads mark the arrival at the
fifth instar. The abdomen is yellowish green with red spots on the median line. The Southern Green Stink Bug usually spends eight days as a fifth instar before the final molt to an adult." - University of Florida, revised
Range
mostly southern and southeastern states: Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, California, Texas, plus Hawaii
also present in South America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and Pacific Islands
Food
Polyphagous, attacking a wide variety of crop plants; especially damaging to new shoots and fruits, including those of soybeans, peas, and cotton.
Life Cycle
White to yellow barrel-shaped eggs are laid in clusters attached to the undersides of leaves. Life cycle takes about 70 days. There may be four generations per year in warm climates. Overwinters as an adult. There are five instars here are some of those ending with the adult:
See Also
adult
Green Stink Bug (
Acrosternum hilare) scutellum has pale (not black) dot in each basal corner; third and fourth antennal segments blackish (not reddish) and blackish color is restricted to apical half of segments; connexivium usually has conspicuous dark dot on apical margin of each abdominal segment; side of pronotum straight or slightly convex (not slightly concave) in anterior half; second abdominal sternite has pointed (not rounded) medial spine; ventral scent gland pore long and curved (not short and broad)
Internet References
live adult image and presence in Australia (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia)
