Southern Green Stink Bug
Nezara viridula
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
- Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
- Family: Pentatomidae
- Subfamily: Pentatominae
- Tribe: Nezarini
- Genus: Nezara
- Species: viridula
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nezara viridula: //neˈza.ra vɪˈrɪd.u.la//
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Images
Summary
Nezara viridula is a plant-feeding stink bug, commonly known as the southern green stink bug, southern green shield bug or green vegetable bug, found worldwide with a preference for leguminous plants and is a significant agricultural pest.
Physical Characteristics
Adult: green overall; scutellum has black dot in each basal corner; antennomeres 3 & 4 mostly reddish except at base; side of pronotum slightly concave in anterior half; second abdominal sternite has rounded medial spine; ventral scent gland pore short and broad. Nymphs undergo a remarkable change in coloration: first instars are light yellowish with red eyes; second instars have black head, legs, and antennae with yellow thorax; third and fourth instars show greenish coloration.
Identification Tips
Differentiated from the similar green stink bug (Chinavia hilare) by the shape of their scent gland openings, which are short and wide in N. viridula, and narrow and long in Chinavia hilare.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions, prefers areas with abundant legumes and fruiting plants.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan, found in Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Europe, originally from Ethiopia.
Diet
Highly polyphagous, feeds on plants from over 30 families, with a preference for legumes such as beans and soybeans.
Life Cycle
The life cycle takes approximately 65-70 days, with up to four generations possible per year in warmer climates.
Reproduction
Females lay 30 to 130 barrel-shaped eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves, which develop in 5 to 21 days dependent on temperature.
Ecosystem Role
Important pest of vegetables and crops, especially legumes and crucifers.
Economic Impact
Considered an important pest due to its harmful effects on crops such as soybeans, peas, and cotton.
Evolution
Undergoes winter diapause and can change body coloration from green to brown or russet in temperate climates.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Hemiptera
- Insect
- Stink Bug
- Pest
- Agriculture