Brochymena barberi

Ruckes, 1939

rough stink bug, tree stink bug

Brochymena barberi is a of rough stink bug in the Pentatomidae, native to North America. It is one of approximately 21–23 Brochymena species found north of Mexico. The species exhibits cryptic coloration resembling lichen-mottled bark, an that provides camouflage on trees. Like other members of its , it overwinters as an , typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering human structures. The species has two recognized : B. b. barberi and B. b. diluta.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brochymena barberi: //brəˈkaɪmənə ˈbɑrˌbɛri//

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Identification

Distinguished from the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) by dark lacking white bands (H. halys has white bands on last two antennal segments) and by the presence of fine teeth along the leading edge of the pronotum (absent in H. halys). -level identification within Brochymena requires microscopic examination of dead specimens and is considered difficult or impossible from photographs alone. Distinguished from B. affinis and other by subtle morphological features requiring expert scrutiny.

Images

Habitat

Associated with trees and shrubs; found on bark where cryptic coloration provides camouflage. Overwinters under loose bark or in other sheltered outdoor locations. Not known to aggregate on or enter human structures in large numbers.

Distribution

North America; specific range within North America not well documented in available sources but presumably occurs within the broader distribution of the .

Seasonality

active on warm, sunny winter days. Emerges from hibernation in spring; enters hibernation in fall. One per year in temperate climates.

Life Cycle

laid in small clusters on twigs of trees. Nymphs progress through four instars before reaching adulthood. Development from egg to is prolonged, resulting in a single in temperate regions. Overwinters in the adult stage.

Behavior

Overwinters in under loose bark with conspecifics. fly well and may alight on fences, sidewalks, or other contrasting substrates. Cold-hardy; has been observed to survive freezing temperatures for extended periods.

Ecological Role

Suspected to feed on sap of trees and shrubs; possibly opportunistically predatory or scavenging on other insects as documented in other true bugs. Serves as prey for sand wasp Bicyrtes quadrifasciata, birds, fence lizards, and as host for flies (Trichopoda spp.) and parasitoid (Trissolcus brochymenae, Telenomus spp., Anastatus reduvii).

Human Relevance

Not a pest ; does not invade structures in large numbers. May occasionally enter homes but remains outdoors unlike the brown marmorated stink bug. No economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Frequently mistaken for the brown marmorated stink bug; however, Brochymena barberi is a native that does not form large on buildings or enter structures in significant numbers.

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: Brochymena barberi barberi Ruckes, 1939 and Brochymena barberi diluta Ruckes, 1939

Sources and further reading