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Wisconsin, known for its diverse ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, is home to various insect species. Among them, stink bugs have become a familiar presence, both in rural farmlands and urban areas. A stink bug is an insect belonging to the family Pentatomidae, characterized by its distinctive shield-shaped body and the ability to produce a pungent odor as a defense mechanism. These medium-sized to large bugs typically have a triangular plate on their backs and are found in various colors, ranging from brown and green to other vibrant hues.
Stink bugs feed on plants by using their piercing mouthparts to extract sap, posing a threat to agricultural crops. When threatened or physically disturbed, they emit a foul-smelling liquid from specialized glands, deterring potential predators and making your residential property smell hideous! To help you avoid some of the most common stink bugs in Wisconsin, here is a list to help you properly identify them.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, identified by its distinct shield-like shape and mottled brown coloring, has become a widespread nuisance in Wisconsin. Originally from East Asia, this invasive species has adapted well to the local climate. As agricultural pests, they feed on a variety of crops, causing damage and economic losses for farmers. Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs often seek refuge indoors during colder months, invading homes and structures, emitting their notorious odor when threatened or crushed.
Unlike some native stink bugs, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug exhibits a marbled or marmorated pattern on its exoskeleton, providing a unique visual cue. Its antennae have alternating light and dark bands, a trait not shared by all stink bug species. When compared to other stink bugs, this invasive species is typically larger, measuring between 12 to 17 millimeters in length.
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With its vibrant green coloration, the Green Stink Bug is easily distinguishable among Wisconsin's stink bug population. While it primarily feeds on fruits and vegetables, it can also be found in gardens and ornamental plants. This native stink bug species reproduces throughout the warmer months, with nymphs undergoing several molts before reaching maturity.
Recognizing and distinguishing the Green Stink Bug from other stink bugs involves paying attention to its vibrant green coloration and specific physical features. Unlike some stink bugs with muted or brown hues, the Green Stink Bug stands out with its striking green body, making it easily identifiable. It typically measures around 12 to 15 millimeters in length and lacks the marbled pattern seen in the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug or many others. The antennae typically feature alternating dark and light markings.
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Known for its distinctive black and red coloring, the Two-Spotted Stink Bug is a native predatory species in Wisconsin. Unlike some stink bugs that feed on crops, the Two-Spotted Stink Bug preys on other insects. Farmers and gardeners often appreciate the presence of Two-Spotted Stink Bugs, as they contribute to natural pest control. However, their odor will not be a welcomed addition to your property if they are accidentally crushed, so understanding how to properly identify them from other insects and pests is crucial.
This native predatory stink bug measures approximately 10 to 12 millimeters in length and features a distinctive shield-shaped body common to its counterparts. Its exoskeleton showcases a combination of black and vibrant red hues, with two conspicuous black spots on the pronotum, a distinguishing trait not found in many other stink bug species. This stink bug species is commonly mistaken for boxelder bugs due to their similar markings, but the boxelder bug is much longer and oval-shaped, and their colors lack the orange hues of this stink bug. While it shares the defensive mechanism of emitting an unpleasant odor when threatened, its unique color pattern and predatory behavior make it easily discernible from other stink bug species in Wisconsin's diverse ecosystems.
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The Spined Soldier Bug is another native stink bug species found in Wisconsin. Unlike its herbivorous counterparts, this is another predatory stink bug that preys on a variety of insects, making it a valuable ally for farmers in pest control efforts. Recognizing the Spined Soldier Bug's beneficial role in natural pest management is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Conservation practices that support the presence of these beneficial stink bugs can contribute to reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier agricultural environment.
Characterized by a triangular-shaped body typical of stink bugs, the Spined Soldier Bug stands out with its medium to large size, measuring around 12 to 15 millimeters. You can identify this stink bug by its “shoulder” area that is pointed outward. They are typically brown or yellowish in color, but some of these bugs will take on a more red hue later in their life cycles, but they are most commonly seen with brown bodies that only have a few red and black markings, or none at all.
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The Rough Stink Bug can be identified and distinguished from other stink bug species by its unique characteristics. Measuring around 8 to 12 millimeters, this native stink bug features a shield-shaped body common among its counterparts. What distinguishes it is the distinctive rough texture on its pronotum, giving the insect its name. The Rough Stink Bug is typically brown or mottled with darker hues, offering effective camouflage in various environments. However, it boasts vibrant and noticeable red and black markings around its edges, similar to the Spined Soldier Bug. You can differentiate these two stink bugs by the brighter reds along the more round-shaped edges of the rough stink bug.
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The Blue Shieldbug stands out among stink bug species. Measuring around 5 to 8 millimeters, this native insect has a smaller body that is easily identifiable by hues of metallic blue and green, creating a visually captivating appearance. Unlike the more common brown or green stink bugs, the vibrant colors of the Blue Shieldbug make it easy to see and avoid. In the Nymph stage, the colors of this stink bug are similar to those of ladybugs, with the famous metallic sheen developing as the bug matures. Its antennae and legs often have contrasting patterns, further aiding in identification. While the Blue Shieldbug shares the general defensive mechanism of emitting an odor when threatened, its vivid coloration and unique patterns contribute more to its specific recognition than any other stink bug.
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