T
he brown marmorated stink bug
(BMSB; Haylomorpha halys) is
an exotic insect, originally from Asia,
likely introduced to the United States
in the 1990s. It was first identified
in Pennsylvania, is now established
across the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic
and Midwestern regions, and is
creeping into the Plains and Western
states. These stink bug populations in
Nebraska are likely low, and no reports
of damage have yet been received.
However, they have been found in
Douglas, Otoe and Lancaster counties.
Adults are approximately five-eighths
of an inch long and mottled brown.
They can be differentiated from other
stink bugs by the white bands across
their antennae and white and brown/
black bands on the edges of their
wings.
They overwinter as adults, hidden
in leaf litter or structures. Adults
emerge in spring and begin to feed,
mate and lay eggs. First instar nymphs
have orange to reddish markings, but
successive stages will appear more
adult-like in coloring.
Populations are generally at their
peak in late summer to early fall,
before the new adults start looking for
overwintering sites.
These bugs feed on more than 300
species of plants, including ornamental
plants, fruit trees, soybeans and other
legumes and vegetables. Their nymphs
and adults have a piercing-sucking
mouthpart, and use them in a straw-like
fashion to pierce the fruit or vegetable.
Small necrotic spots on fruits/
vegetables and leaf surfaces often result
from feeding damage.
As fruits and vegetables mature,
secondary infections may occur around
the feeding site, and pitting, scarring
and discoloration may become more
apparent. Even though fruits and
vegetables may still be edible, the
damage may be so significant that they
are no longer saleable.
In addition to being a plant pest, the
insect is also a nuisance. In heavily
infested areas, large numbers of them
can be found congregating on buildings
and entering homes in the fall,
looking for places to overwinter. This
aggregating behavior is similar to that
of Asian lady beetles.
While the insects do no structural
damage and cause no human health
problems, they do have an offensive
odor, and a large number of them
on or in a house can be upsetting to
homeowners. ■
Contact the Nebraska Department
of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or
agr.plant@nebraska.gov to report a
possible sighting.
By Julie Van Meter
State Entomologist,
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 15
Bug Banter
Adult Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID R. LANCE, USDA APHIS PPQ,
BUGWOOD.ORG
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