Stink+Bugs

A stink bug is a member of the order Hemiptera, and the family Pentatomidea. They are in the order Hemiptera (true bugs) because they have no chewing mouthparts. Instead of chewing mouthparts, they have a part similar to a beak or straw that they use to suck up their food. Stink bugs have a distinct five sided shape, and kind of appear to look like funny shaped beetles (which they aren’t). They have a set of two compound eyes on the front of their head. On their abdomen, they have little holes called, spiracles, which the bug uses for breathing. Stink bugs come in a wide variety of colors, from very brown and dull in appearance, to bright leafy green and blue.
 * __Stink bugs __**
 * What is a stink bug? **



Stink bugs tend to have a single generation per year in the eastern US, but may have up to 4-6 generations per year in the eastern hemisphere depending on temperature conditions. These bugs undergo an incomplete metamorphosis cycle, from eggs in the springtime to a nymph in the late spring which goes through 5 stages of molting until it becomes an adult and lays its eggs in late summer. These bugs can typically be seen regularly in the months of September and October in homes because the temperatures drops. These stink bugs are in search of an “overwintering site” where they can survive the winter indoors.
 * Life History **



Like any species, a stink bug needs to have a defense mechanism to protect itself from predators. If a stink bug feels threatened, it can release a spray of stinky chemicals to dissuade the predator from bothering it. These chemicals that the stink bug carries in its glands are known as aldehydes. Surprisingly, a stink bug carries so much of this chemical around inside of its body, that it makes up 5% of the bug’s body weight! There is some speculation that the stink bug may actually use it’s “stink” to serve as a warning signal to other members of its group to let them know there is a predator nearby. This pheromone chemical communication signal could aid in the survival of the species, and not just the individual. Unfortunately, these chemicals do not dissipate into the air, but will remain on the surface the stink bug has released them on. It is NOT recommended that you squish a stink bug if it is in your home, because the bug will be forced to release its “stinky” chemicals onto your carpet and stink up your house.
 * Why do stink bugs stink? **



When stink bug populations tend to feed on many agricultural crops such as apples, pears, corn, beans, and berries and can become agricultural pests in large numbers in their native ranges (particularly in North America). They make marks on the crops known as “cat facing”, which looks kind of like splotchy bruises on fruits such as apples.
 * Stink bugs as an agricultural pest **

Works Cited

Bartlett, Troy. "Family Pentatomidae - Stink Bugs." //Bug Guide//. N.p., 16 Feb. 2004. Web. 9 Nov. 2013. .

"Brown Marmorated Stink Bug." //EarthSky//. N.p., 6 Oct. 2006. Web. 9 Nov. 2013. .

"Stink Bugs." //Animal Planet//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013. .