Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
There is confusion about names and a taxonomic review is needed.
Identification
Adults are very similar to other shield-like brown stink bugs, but can be distinguished by the light bands on their antennae.
Range
Been recorded most often in Pennsylvania, but have also been found in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Recently been spotted in Oregon causing concern among officials.
Food
Mostly fruits and other crops. Considered a major agricultural pest in Asia, with potential for causing significant damage to crops in the United States.
Life Cycle
Eggs are elliptical and laid in clusters often on the underside of leaves. Five instars (nymphal stages), the nymphs typically being brightly colored with red and black.
In Pennsylvania, the BMSB has only one generation a year, corresponding to the northern part of its native range. However, in southern China up to five generations occur each year, and the same pattern can be expected as the BMSB spreads south (Hoebeke and Carter 2003, Hoffmann 1931). The adults mate in the spring approximately two weeks after emerging from diapause or the resting phase. After a short period, the females begin laying egg masses. Egg masses are laid at approximately weekly intervals, and each female lays as many as 400 eggs in her lifetime. In Pennsylvania, females were observed laying eggs from June to September. Since females continue to lay new egg masses throughout the season, different nymphal stages were often observed on the same host plant.
First instar nymphs emerge four to five days after eggs are laid. Nymphs are solitary feeders, but they occasionally aggregate between overlapping leaves or leaf folds (Bernon 2004). BMSB has five nymphal instars, and each stage lasts approximately one week, depending upon temperature. Laboratory studies indicate that adults are sexually mature two weeks after their final molt (Hoebeke and Carter 2003).
Remarks
Introduced into the United States from Asia where it is an agricultural pest. They sometimes invade homes in the winter by the hundreds!
If stink bugs are found flying into homes in the fall, they are probably the BMSB and should be reported to the UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Plant Industry. Specimens should be collected for positive identification. Although the brown mottled color is distinctive, there are several native species of brownish stink bugs that will look very similar to the BMSB.
Print References
Hamilton, George C. 2009. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. American Entomologist 55,Number 1: 19-20
Internet References
Fact sheet with photos of eggs & early instars, late instars, as well as adults:
invasive.org.
H. halys in L.A. County, CA
