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, Murgantia histrionica.

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.

Food and 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.

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.

Naturewatch: North America is home to many species of stinkbug, most of which are plainly colored and have brown or gray shield shaped bodies. Stinkbugs are generally quite easy to find. The harlequin bug can be found nearly year round in the south and west. It is most commonly seen on garden vegetables and on blackberries and strawberries.

Key Facts:
Characteristics:
Length: Varies from ¼-2 in. according to species
Body: More flattened than in other insects
Mouthparts: Sucking

Breeding:
Breeding season: Varies according to species
Eggs: Batches from 10-40
Hatching time: Depends on temperature. Delayed until warm
Sexual maturity: Varies

Lifestyle:
Habit: Solitary. Free living
Diet: Predatory of herbivorous
Lifespan: Varies according to species

Number of Species: Over 5,000 worldwide. Main families are Pentatomidae, Scutelleridae, Tessaratomidae, Acanthosomidae, and Cydnidae.
Distribution: Found virtually worldwide and in all climates, with the greatest number in the tropics.
Conservation: Most species are in no immediate danger, but some are considered a pest in certain areas of the world – the tortoise bug, Eurygester, for example, attacks wheat in Europe, the Soviet Union, and the Near East.

Features of the Stinkbug: The stinkbug has a retractable rostrum. This spiny projection is used to spear prey or vegetation. When not in use, it lies flat against the abdomen. It has two pairs of wings; the top pair is modified into wing cases.

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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