Twice-stabbed stink bug

Description

Twice-stabbed stink bug is a small black and red stink bug.

The body is black and roughly shield-shaped (broad-shouldered).

The upper plate covering the first segment of the thorax (pronotum) is black with bright red markings, including a band from side to side, a stripe on the midline, and thin borders on the sides. The plate covering the third segment of the thorax (scutellum) is large and triangular, but it is not longer than the thickened part of the forewing, and does not reach the tip of the abdomen. It is black with two distinct red spots on the margin near the end (apex). These spots are most likely the origin of this insect’s common name twice-stabbed stink bug.

The abdomen is black with a narrow red border. Some or all of the markings on some individuals show little or no red, revealing the tan or beige base coloration. The border of the abdomen often lacks red pigmentation.

The forewings are thickened and black at the base, membraneous and clear at the tip.

The head is black. The antennae have 5 segments.

The fourth leg segment (tibia) has no spines.

Size

Total length: ⅛″ to ¼″

Similar Species

Habitat

Ecology

Season

Early spring to early late fall

Behavior

Like all stink bugs, it releases a foul odor when threatened.

Life Cycle

The female lays a mass of eggs on the underside of a leaf. The eggs hatch in 1 to 2 weeks.

Adults overwinter on the ground under leaf litter. They become active when the ground warms in the spring.

Nymph Food

Adult Food

Plant juices