Banasa sordida
(Uhler, 1871)
Muddy Stink Bug
Banasa sordida is a of in the Pentatomidae, commonly known as the Muddy Stink Bug. It occurs in North America, with documented in coastal California where it has been recorded feeding on Monterey cypress and Gowen cypress. Like other members of the Banasa, it is a phytophagous true that feeds on plant sap.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Banasa sordida: /bəˈnɑːsə ˈsɔːrdɪdə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
identification within the Banasa typically requires microscopic examination of morphological characters. Banasa sordida is one of eleven species in the genus in North America, several of which are externally similar and difficult to distinguish without detailed examination.
Images
Habitat
Coastal California; associated with cypress stands. Specific microhabitat preferences beyond plant associations have not been documented.
Distribution
North America; documented in coastal California with confirmed plant records on Monterey cypress and Gowen cypress. Vermont records exist in GBIF database.
Diet
Phytophagous; feeds on sap of trees and shrubs. Documented feeding on Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Gowen cypress (Cupressus goveniana).
Host Associations
- Cupressus macrocarpa - plantMonterey cypress; first confirmed plant record
- Cupressus goveniana - plantGowen cypress; first confirmed plant record
Human Relevance
Like most Banasa , it is rarely if ever a pest of economic concern.
Similar Taxa
- Banasa calvaExternally similar appearance; in this require microscopic characters for reliable identification
- Other Banasa speciesEleven occur in North America with overlapping ranges and similar
More Details
First Host Plant Records
The 2012 study by P. J. L. L. Guilbert documented the first confirmed plant records for this , establishing its association with two cypress species in coastal California.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Bug Eric: New Year’s Insects and Spiders
- Oregon Researchers Find a Native Wasp With a Taste for Stink Bugs
- Bug Eric: 2026
- Banasa sordida(Uhler) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Monterey Cypress and Gowen Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa, C. goveniana; Cupressaceae) as Host Plants in Coastal California