predatory stink bug

not listed

NR - Unranked

not listed

Podisus placidus is a relatively small, ¼″ to 7 ⁄16″ (7.5 to 11 mm) long, predatory stink bug.

The adult is lighter in color than other Podisus species. The plate over the first thoracic segment (pronotum) has broadly rounded projections on both sides. The sides of the pronotum are straight, not concave. The plate over the second thoracic segment (scutellum) is large, triangular, and mottled dull yellow. The end (posterior) of the abdomen is almost triangular.

First stage (instar) nymphs are black and red. On the fourth and fifth instars, the upper (dorsal) abdominal pattern has a bold white outline that extends to the the margin. The abdomen and pronotum have white edges.

Total length: ¼″ to 7 ⁄16″

Mid-April through late October

Adults emerge from hibernation in mid-April and begin mating in May. The femals lays eggs in a mass, one egg mass per day, on the underside of a plant leaf. The eggs hatch in about 6 days. They pass through five instars in 25 to 30 days before reaching the adult stage. Adults overwinter.

First instar nymphs feed on plant juices

Mostly butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars) and sawfly larvae

Sources

7, 24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

Common in northern United States and southern Canada

Though common, neither the species nor the genus has a common name. The common name of the subfamily Asopinae is predatory stink bugs, and it is applied here for convenience.

Location: La Crescent, MN, backyard

Location: Uncas Dunes SNA