Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

About

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive insect species that preys on fruit and vegetable crops.

Biology

BMSB adults are shaped like a shield and have light banded antennae. They measure around 16 mm in size. The females lay clusters of 20 to 30 eggs underneath their host's leaves. The eggs are elliptical shaped with small spines.

The nymphs go through five instars before becoming adults themselves. It is believed BMSBs only go through one generation per summer.

Preferred Host

BMSBs prey on apples, pears, peaches, grapes, blueberries, soybeans, tomatoes, and corn. They are also known to prey on trees such as maple trees, princess trees, and ash trees.

What to Watch Out For

Look out for chewed-up leaves and fruit. In soybeans, look for the stay-green effect, where soybeans stay green for longer than usual.

Fruit scarring and pitting are also common with BMSB infections.

Look for small clusters of eggs under leaves.

Economic Impact

Brown marmorated stink bugs originated in East Asia and were discovered in Allentown, PA, in 2001. They have since been found in both the east and west coasts of the U.S. as well as the Midwest and parts of the south.

In 2010, BMSB caused over $37 million in damages to fruit in the mid-Atlantic region.