Family Pentatomidae: Stink bugs and Shield bugs
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A beneficial stink bug
Kingstree, South Carolina
Many stink bugs and shield bugs are considered agricultural pest insects, because they can create large populations; they suck plant juices and damage crop production, and they are resistant to many pesticides. If disturbed, stink bugs will emit a pungent, evil-smelling liquid. Their antennae are 5-segmented. Their body are usually shield-shaped.
On the other hand, some genera of Pentatomidae are considered highly beneficial, as the anchor bug pictured. This bug can be distinguished by the red-orange anchor shape on the adult. It is a predator on other insects, especially Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, and other pest insects.
