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HABITAT
The many species of stinkbug have adapted to a wide variety of
habitats. They inhabit areas ranging from deserts to tropical mangrove swamps. Stinkbugs
in the tropics are among the largest and most spectacularly colored.
About 300 species of stinkbug can be found in the United
States. Most are plain, but one exception is the brightly colored harlequin bug,
Murgantio histrionics.
DEFENSES
The many species of stinkbug have defenses that
vary greatly. All are at risk from predators such as birds. Stinkbugs that are
plant-eating have coloration that blends in with the surrounding vegetation. Those that
feed on leaves and stems are usually green; those that feed on tree bark are gray or
brown.
Many species feed on plants which contain toxins. These
poisons are absorbed by the stinkbugs, causing them to taste unpleasant to predators.
Above: Newly hatched Penatomidae
stinkbugs. |
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Known as the stinkbug because of
its ability to spray an unpleasant odor if it is disturbed, this insect numbers over five
thousand species and is specially adapted to its environment.
BREEDING
The scent of stinkbugs plays an important part in their mating
habits. It enables the sexes to both locate and recognize one another. Many species also
attract mating partners by the use of sound. By rubbing their legs together, they produce
a noise similar to that made by a grasshopper. This action is known as stridulation. During
mating, stinkbugs remain firmly locked together for several hours in a back-to- back
position. Females then lay their eggs in batches. Herbivorous (plant-eating)
species often seek out one particular food plant or family of plants on which to lay an
egg batch, whereas predatory species are less particular.
After laying her eggs, the female stands over them and guards them
vigorously. if they are bothered, she moves her body sideways, acting as shield between
the intruder and her young, which are called nymphs once they hatch. Stinkbug
nymphs look like small wingless versions of their parents, with more rounded bodies. They
often do not display the pattern of adult coloration until they are mature. They molt (shed
skin) several times before reaching the fully winged adult stage.
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FOOD & FEEDING
Stinkbugs eat a wide variety of food, which differs according to
species. Many stinkbugs suck the sap from plants. Herbivorous species have a special
bacteria in their digestive tract which breaks down the plant matter.
Many stinkbugs prey on any insect that is small enough to be
overpowered, like the beetle. Soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars are their usual
prey, but some species of stinkbug can be cannibalistic and will sometimes eat other
stinkbugs.
Above: A Mexican stinkbug Oplomus
dichorus feeding on a caterpillar.
KEY FACTS
Length: Varies from 1/4-2 in.
according to species.
Body: More flattened than in other insects.
Mouthparts: Sucking.
Breeding season: Varies according to species.
Eggs: Batches from 10-40.
Hatching time: Depends on temperature. Delayed
until warm.
Sexual maturity: Varies.
Habit: Solitary. Free-living.
Diet: Predatory or herbivorous.
Lifespan: Varies according to species. |
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| Did You Know?
A single species of stinkbug manages to survive in the Arctic.
The female stinkbug shows great care for her eggs and young-- more
so than any other group of insects with the exception of bees, wasps, ants, and termites.
Females of the European species, Elasmucha grisea, stay
with their offspring for several weeks after they hatch, then die. |
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