Download Module II: Economically Important Insect Pests

Adults stink bug
Egg and Nymph
Life History - Stink bugs overwinter as adults and
become active in spring when temperatures rise
above 21 degrees Centigrade (above 70 degrees
F). Each female deposits up to several hundred
eggs, usually in mid- or late June. These eggs are
laid in clusters (averaging 36 eggs) primarily on
leaves and stems but also on pods. Nymphs hatch
from these eggs and pass through five instars
before becoming adults. Approximately 5 weeks
elapse between hatching and adult emergence.
Two generations per year occur in Arkansas while
only one generation per year has been reported in
Virginia. In any case, stink bugs generally reach
high population levels in late September or early
October.
Damage:
Stink bugs inflict mechanical injury to the seed
as well as transmit the yeast-spot disease
organism. The degree of damage caused by
this pest depends to some extent on the
developmental stage of the seed when it is
pierced by the stink bug's needlelike
mouthparts.
Stink bugs feed on plant fluids by inserting their
needlelike mouthparts into stems, leaves or
seed pods. While feeding, they inject materials
into the plant to aid in digestion and sap
removal.
CONTROL:
Stink bugs have some natural enemies, including
several common species of birds. As their name
implies, stink bugs emit an unpleasant odor and repel
many predators. To determine when chemical control
is necessary, shake the plants on about 1 meter (3
feet) of row over a muslin cloth and count the number
of stink bugs. The economic threshold varies from 1
stink bug per 0.3 meter (1 ft) of row to 1 bug per 0.9
meter (3 ft) of row, depending upon state extension
service recommendations.