brown marmorated stink bug

Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Updated: February 22, 2023

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has become a fairly common pest in North America.  Adult bugs are 14-17 mm and dark mottled brown.  The last 2 antennal segments have alternating light and dark bands.  The exposed edges of the abdomen also have light and dark banding.  Eggs are light green, barrel-shaped, and laid from June to August.  The young bugs (nymphs) are yellowish and mottled with black and red.  Older nymphs more closely resemble the adults.  The host list is long and includes many shade and fruit trees and woody ornamentals such as Buddleia spp.(butterfly bush), Catalpa spp., Rosa rugosaLonicera spp. (honeysuckle), Prunus persica (peach), Pyrus serotina (Asian Pear), and Abelia spp.  These stink bugs can also be a nuisance in homes and buildings as they seek shelter in the fall much like Asian lady bird beetles and boxelder bugs.

University of Maryland entomologist Mike Raupp offers common sense options for stink bug control