Hemiptera (Heteroptera): Pentatomidae

Identification
• Stink bugs have a shieldlike shape with a large triangular area between the leathery portions of the front wings (scutellum), and five-segmented antennae.

Host Range
• Stink bugs feed on caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other slow-moving insects. Many also feed on plants.

Life cycle
• The nymphs are similar to adults (incomplete metamorphosis). Wings gradually develop with each molt until they are fully functional in adults.
• All stages feed by jabbing their prey with sucking mouthparts, most likely injecting an enzyme that digests the body contents of the prey, and sucking the predigested fluid from the prey.

Other Information
• Some stinkbugs that look like predaceous stinkbugs may actually be plant-feeding pests.