Piezodorus guildinii

Distinguished from the red-shouldered stink bug (Thyanta spp.) by the presence of a long spine protruding between the hind legs, which is absent in Thyanta. Smaller than the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) and green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris). The reddish band across the thorax-abdomen junction is shared with Thyanta spp., necessitating examination of the ventral spine for definitive separation. More agile and faster-flying than other stink bug pests, which may aid in field identification of active adults.

Agricultural fields, particularly soybean, and areas with host leguminous plants. In early summer, found on preferred host plants including winter pea, hairy vetch, common bean, sunflower, and clover species. Later in the season, switches to soybean and other legumes as preferred hosts senesce. Also documented in alfalfa fields.

Native to the Neotropics, ranging from Argentina north through Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In the United States, established in the southern region including Texas (especially the Gulf Coast), Louisiana, Mississippi, and adjacent states. First reported as an economic pest in Louisiana around 2000; populations have increased dramatically since, becoming the dominant stink bug species in some areas of southeast Texas.

Multiple generations per year; in Louisiana, four to eight generations annually. Activity extends from early summer through the growing season, with populations shifting from early-season hosts to soybean as the season progresses. Late-season infestation (R1 to R7 growth stages) is particularly damaging to soybean crops.

Phytophagous; feeds on sap from seeds, pods, flowers, stems, and leaves of host plants. Documented host plants include soybean (Glycine max), winter pea, hairy vetch, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), clover species (Trifolium spp.), and alfalfa. Feeding begins in the second nymphal instar. Polyphagous with many cultivated and wild host plants.

• Glycine max - primary agricultural hostsoybean
• Pisum sativum - preferred hostwinter pea
• Vicia villosa - preferred hosthairy vetch
• Phaseolus vulgaris - hostcommon bean
• Helianthus annuus - hostsunflower
• Trifolium spp. - hostclover species
• Medicago sativa - hostalfalfa

Egg to adult development averages 39 days. Progresses through five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood. Feeding commences in the second instar. Multiple generations per year in suitable climates. Eggs are laid in masses on host plants; first instar nymphs often remain aggregated on egg masses after eclosion.

Highly mobile and agile compared to other stink bug species; rapid flight allows movement between plants and fields. This mobility contributes to reduced susceptibility to insecticide applications, as adults may escape before chemical contact. Feeding causes localized damage at feeding sites, but widespread field damage is common due to mobility and voracious feeding. Documented to cause delayed maturity syndrome in soybeans, where damaged plants retain green leaves and stems, fail to mature normally, and experience delayed or prevented harvest.

Herbivore and agricultural pest. As a phytophage, it impacts plant fitness through direct consumption of reproductive tissues. May vector plant pathogens when piercing plant tissue to feed. Serves as host for parasitoid wasps including Hexacladia smithii (documented in Argentina). Preyed upon by various generalist insect predators, though specific predator guilds in invaded ranges are under study.

Major economic pest of soybean in the southern United States and South America. Causes yield reduction, reduced seed weight, and seed quality degradation. Estimated to cost U.S. agriculture over $25 million annually. Damage per individual exceeds that of other stink bug species, warranting lower treatment thresholds (16 adults and older nymphs per 100 sweeps vs. 36 for other species). Has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, particularly organophosphates and pyrethroids, complicating management. Subject of integrated pest management research including biological control, host-plant resistance, and cultural control methods.

• Thyanta spp.Shares reddish band across thorax-abdomen junction; distinguished by absence of long spine between hind legs
• Nezara viridulaSimilar green coloration and soybean pest status; larger size, lacks reddish band, has rounded ventral spine
• Chinavia hilarisGreen stink bug of similar habitat; larger size, lacks reddish band, has pointed ventral spine
• Euschistus spp.Brown stink bugs of similar size and soybean pest status; brown coloration, lacks reddish band

• agricultural pest
• soybean pest
• invasive species
• insecticide resistance
• Pentatomidae
• Hemiptera
• integrated pest management
• legume pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Soybean Insects: Late-Season Pests (R1 to R7) - AgriLife Extension Entomology
• T.G.I.Flyday: Soybean nodule fly | Beetles In The Bush
• Platystomatidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Redbanded Stink Bugs: Variety of Methods Available to Manage Impact on Soybean Crops
• Pentatomidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 2
• Texas Entomologists Find Redbanded Stink Bug to Be Dominant Species on Soybean