Pentatomidae
Guides
Nezara
Green Vegetable Bugs
Nezara is a genus of plant-feeding stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The most economically significant species is Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the southern green stink bug or green vegetable bug, which is a major agricultural pest of legumes, cotton, and numerous other crops. Several species have been documented as pests of soybean and other economically important crops in South America, with N. viridula being particularly problematic due to its cosmopolitan distribution and polyphagous feeding habits.
Nezarini
stink bugs
Nezarini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae, containing at least 21 described genera. The tribe includes economically significant agricultural pests such as the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) and various species in the genera Chinavia and Chlorochroa. Members are distributed across multiple continents with substantial observation records documenting their presence.
Odmalea schaefferi
Odmalea schaefferi is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. The species was described by Barber in 1906. It is known from North America, though specific details about its biology, ecology, and distribution within the continent remain poorly documented in available literature.
Oebalus
rice stink bug
Oebalus is a genus of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) containing several species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice and sorghum. The most extensively studied species, Oebalus pugnax (rice stink bug), is a serious pest of rice in the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Other species including O. insularis, O. ornatus, and O. poecilus also develop on rice and are distributed across the Americas. All life stages feed on developing grain kernels, causing direct damage and facilitating fungal infection.
Oebalus insularis
island stink bug, coffee-colored rice bug
Oebalus insularis is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae that has emerged as a significant agricultural pest in rice-growing regions of the Americas. Originally described from tropical and subtropical regions, it has established populations in Florida rice fields since at least 1932, where it became the second most abundant stink bug species in surveys conducted in 2008-2009. The species feeds on developing rice grains using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing 'pecky rice' damage that reduces crop yield and quality. Its economic importance has prompted research into biological control agents, including egg parasitoids in the genus Telenomus.
Oebalus mexicanus
Oebalus mexicanus is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, described by Sailer in 1944. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Oebalus, it belongs to a group of pentatomid bugs commonly associated with grasses and cereal crops.
Oebalus pugnax
Rice Stink Bug
Oebalus pugnax, the rice stink bug, is a shield bug in the family Pentatomidae native to North America and a major agricultural pest in the Southern United States. First described by Fabricius in 1775, this species attacks cereal crops with small seeds, particularly rice, wheat, and sorghum. Adults are highly mobile and migrate en masse between wild grass hosts and cultivated fields. The species is distinguished from similar stink bugs by its narrower profile and lighter straw coloration.
Oplomus mundus
Oplomus mundus is a predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Stål in 1862. The species has been documented in Central America and North America based on occurrence records. As a member of the predatory stink bug genus Oplomus, it likely functions as a generalist predator, though specific prey associations remain poorly documented. Observations are sparse, with limited published biological or ecological information available.
Pellaea stictica
Pellaea stictica is a species of stink bug (family Pentatomidae) distributed across temperate regions of the Western Hemisphere, including North America, South America, and the Caribbean. First described by Dallas in 1851, it has been documented as an edible insect in Mexico, where both adults and nymphs are consumed. Its range in the United States expanded notably in 2021 when it was first recorded in California, having previously been known only from Texas north of Mexico.
Pentatominae
shield bugs, stink bugs
Pentatominae is the largest subfamily within Pentatomidae, comprising approximately 4,937 species in 938 genera. Members are commonly known as shield bugs or stink bugs due to their characteristic body shape and defensive secretions. The subfamily includes numerous agricultural pests and several invasive species that have become household pests in introduced ranges. Higher systematics of the group have been revised by Rider et al.
Perillus
predatory stink bugs
Perillus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. The genus contains approximately seven described species, with Perillus bioculatus (two-spotted stink bug) being the most extensively studied due to its use as a biological control agent against the Colorado potato beetle. Members of this genus are characterized by their predatory habits, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to immobilize prey with toxic venom before liquefying and consuming tissues. Several species have been introduced to Europe and Asia for biocontrol purposes, with P. bioculatus establishing expanding populations in southeastern Europe.
Perillus circumcinctus
Perillus circumcinctus is a predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It is one of several predatory species in the genus Perillus, closely related to the well-studied two-spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus). Like other predatory pentatomids, it hunts insect prey using piercing-sucking mouthparts to inject digestive enzymes and consume liquefied tissues. The species has been documented from Vermont and other parts of North America.
Perillus confluens
Perillus confluens is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Perillus, it is a predaceous true bug that actively hunts and kills prey using toxic venom and digestive enzymes.
Perillus lunatus
Perillus lunatus is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Knight in 1952. Like other members of the genus Perillus, it belongs to the subfamily Asopinae, which contains predatory rather than phytophagous stink bugs. The genus Perillus is best known for P. bioculatus, the two-spotted stink bug, a significant biological control agent of the Colorado potato beetle. Perillus lunatus shares the predatory habits characteristic of this genus, though specific details of its biology are less documented than those of its congener P. bioculatus.
Perillus splendidus
Perillus splendidus is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is native to North America and Central America. As a member of the genus Perillus, it shares the predatory habits characteristic of this group, though specific prey records for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Perillus strigipes
Perillus strigipes is a predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Asopinae, a group of predatory stink bugs that actively hunt insect prey. Like its congener Perillus bioculatus (the two-spotted stink bug), it is presumed to be a beneficial predator in agricultural and garden ecosystems, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited. The genus Perillus is notable for including species that prey on pest insects such as Colorado potato beetle.
Piezodorus
Piezodorus is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across multiple continents. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Piezodorus guildinii (redbanded stink bug), which causes substantial damage to soybean and other legume crops in the Americas. Species in this genus exhibit typical pentatomid morphology with shield-shaped bodies and are associated primarily with leguminous host plants.
Piezodorus guildinii
Red-banded Stink Bug, Redbanded Stink Bug, Small Green Stink Bug, Alfalfa Bug
Piezodorus guildinii, commonly known as the red-banded stink bug, is a pentatomid stink bug native to the Neotropics that has become a significant agricultural pest in the southern United States since around 2000. It is smaller and more agile than other stink bug pests, with documented resistance to multiple insecticide classes. The species causes substantial economic damage to soybean and other legume crops through sap feeding on seeds, pods, flowers, stems, and leaves, and has been linked to delayed maturity syndrome in soybeans.
Podisus
spined soldier bugs, predatory stink bugs
Podisus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae containing approximately 17-20 described species. The genus is best known for the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris), a native North American predator widely used in biological control programs. Species in this genus are generalist predators that feed on diverse arthropod prey, with documented predation on over 70 insect species including major agricultural pests. They possess distinctive spiny projections on the shoulders and have been extensively studied for their potential in integrated pest management.
Podisus brevispinus
Podisus brevispinus is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. It was described by Phillips in 1982 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Podisus, it is a generalist predator of other insects. The species is less well-documented than the closely related and widely studied Podisus maculiventris (spined soldier bug).
Podisus neglectus
Podisus neglectus is a predatory stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. It belongs to a genus of beneficial insects known for preying on agricultural and forest pests. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature, though it shares the general predatory habits characteristic of Podisus species.
Podisus sagitta
Podisus sagitta is a small to medium-sized predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It belongs to the subfamily Asopinae, a group of predatory pentatomids. The species is distributed from the southern United States through Central America, the Caribbean, and into South America. Like other members of the genus Podisus, it is a generalist predator of other insects.
Podopinae
Turtle Bugs
Podopinae, commonly known as turtle bugs, is a subfamily within the stink bug family Pentatomidae. Members are characterized by their distinctive rounded, often shield-like body form that resembles a turtle shell. The subfamily includes approximately six tribes and numerous genera distributed across multiple continents. Some species have documented associations with specific host plants, including Vitex (Lamiaceae).
Proxys
black stink bugs
Proxys is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Spinola in 1840. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across the Americas, with Proxys punctulatus (black stink bug) being the most widely documented. Species in this genus are characterized by predominantly black coloration and are associated with leguminous crops, particularly soybeans. The genus has been documented in both North and South America, with some species showing broad geographic ranges extending from the United States through Central America to Brazil and Argentina.
Ramosiana
Ramosiana is a genus of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) established by Kormilev in 1950. The genus belongs to the diverse family Pentatomidae, which includes many plant-feeding species. Records from iNaturalist indicate at least 80 observations of this genus, suggesting it is documented in field observations.
Rhacognathus americanus
Rhacognathus americanus is a large predatory stink bug in the subfamily Asopinae, first described by Carl Stål in 1870. Adults measure 9–11 mm and exhibit dark brown to black coloration mottled with dull yellow. The species is native to North America but has not been collected or observed since 1966, with fewer than 40 verifiable sightings recorded throughout the entire 20th century. It is considered likely extirpated from Ontario and may be extinct across its range.
Sciocorini
Sciocorini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae. The tribe comprises approximately 12 genera, including the type genus Sciocoris. Members are classified as true bugs in the order Hemiptera. The tribe has been documented across multiple continents with substantial observational records.
Stiretrus anchorago
anchor stink bug
Stiretrus anchorago, commonly known as the anchor stink bug, is a predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is known to prey on specific beetle species including Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle) and Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil). Five subspecies have been described.
Telenominae
Telenominae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae (formerly placed in Platygastridae). Members are solitary egg parasitoids, primarily attacking eggs of Hemiptera, particularly stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and related families in the superfamily Pentatomoidea. The subfamily includes genera such as Telenomus, Trissolcus, Phanuromyia, and Eumicrosoma. Several species, notably Trissolcus japonicus (the Samurai Wasp), are used or studied as biological control agents for agricultural pests.
Telenomus calvus
Telenomus calvus is a phoretic egg parasitoid of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris. Females exhibit a distinctive riding behavior, attaching to host bodies at 25 different locations with preference for the pronotum and femurs, using hypertrophied arolia for secure attachment. They dismount specifically during host oviposition to parasitize egg masses. The species has a relatively low fecundity of approximately 22 progeny per female, with female production peaking early in life and declining rapidly, while male production remains low and constant.
Telenomus podisi
Telenomus podisi is an egg parasitoid wasp first described by William Harris Ashmead in 1893. It is a primary natural enemy of stink bugs (Pentatomidae), with Euschistus heros documented as its principal host. The species has been extensively studied for biological control applications in soybean and other agricultural systems, particularly in Brazil. Laboratory studies demonstrate that females can form olfactory memories during immature development, with learned preferences persisting up to 72 hours post-emergence. The species is susceptible to several insecticides including imidacloprid, which is lethal, while some organic products show greater selectivity.
Tepa
Tepa is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) in the tribe Pentatomini. The genus comprises approximately six described species. Members of this genus are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, characterized by the typical shield-shaped body form common to stink bugs. The genus was established by Rolston and McDonald in 1984.
Tepa vanduzeei
Tepa vanduzeei is a species of stink bug described by Rider in 1986. It belongs to the family Pentatomidae, one of the largest families of true bugs. The species is known to occur in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Tepa yerma
Tepa yerma is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Rolston in 1972. It is a member of the genus Tepa, a group of true bugs distributed in North America. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Thyanta
redshouldered stink bugs, red-shouldered stink bugs
Thyanta is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae containing approximately 19 described species. Species in this genus are recognized by a distinctive reddish band across the pronotum (the 'shoulder' region behind the head), giving them the common name 'redshouldered stink bugs.' Several Thyanta species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean, corn, and various legume crops. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from North America through South America.
Thyanta calceata
Thyanta calceata is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. The species exhibits adult seasonal dimorphism, a trait documented in entomological literature but with limited publicly available biological detail. Like other members of the genus Thyanta, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation and agricultural crops. Published research on its specific ecology remains sparse compared to congeneric species such as Thyanta pallidovirens and Thyanta custator.
Thyanta custator
Red-shouldered Stink Bug, Redshouldered Stink Bug
Thyanta custator, the red-shouldered stink bug, is a phytophagous stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae. It is recognized by a reddish band across the pronotum (the "shoulders"), which distinguishes it from similar species. The species is a documented pest of soybeans and various fruits and vegetables in North America, causing damage by piercing-sucking feeding on developing seeds, pods, and fruits. Two subspecies are recognized: T. c. accerra and T. c. spinosa. It has been recorded from Florida to Texas and throughout the eastern and central United States.
Thyanta custator accerra
Redshouldered stink bug, Red-shouldered stink bug
Thyanta custator accerra is a subspecies of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the redshouldered stink bug. It is an agricultural pest of increasing concern in soybean and corn production across the Midwestern United States. Adults are recognized by a distinctive reddish band across the thorax-abdomen junction. The species feeds on developing fruits and seeds using piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing yield loss and quality reduction in affected crops.
Thyanta custator custator
Redshouldered stink bug
Thyanta custator custator is a subspecies of redshouldered stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is a plant-feeding pest that attacks developing fruits, vegetables, and seeds, causing blemishes, depressions, and quality degradation. The species is distinguished by a reddish band across the pronotum (shoulders) and is closely related to other Thyanta subspecies that differ in coloration and geographic distribution. It has been documented in Florida and is part of the broader redshouldered stink bug complex that affects agricultural crops in the eastern and midwestern United States.
Thyanta planifrons
Thyanta planifrons is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It belongs to the genus Thyanta, which includes several species commonly referred to as redshouldered stink bugs due to the distinctive reddish band across the thorax-abdomen junction. The genus is known to contain agricultural pests that feed on developing fruits, seeds, and pods. Specific biological and ecological details for T. planifrons remain poorly documented in published literature.
Thyanta pseudocasta
Thyanta pseudocasta is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Blatchley in 1926. It belongs to the genus Thyanta, which includes several species commonly known as redshouldered stink bugs. The species is recorded from North America. Information specific to this species is limited in available literature.
Trichopepla aurora
Trichopepla aurora is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1918. It belongs to the genus Trichopepla, a group of true bugs within the order Hemiptera. The species is documented from North America, though detailed ecological and biological information remains limited in available sources.
Trichopepla semivittata
Broken-lined Stink Bug
Trichopepla semivittata is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It occurs in Central and North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. The species is commonly known as the Broken-lined Stink Bug. It is a true bug (Hemiptera) with the characteristic shield-shaped body typical of the family.
Tyrannocoris
Tyrannocoris is a genus of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) established in 1992. The genus is characterized by predatory habits, distinguishing it from the primarily herbivorous majority of stink bugs. It is one of several predatory genera within the family. The genus has been documented in the Americas with limited but growing observational records.
Tyrannocoris jole
Tyrannocoris jole is a species of predatory stink bug in the subfamily Asopinae. Like other members of this subfamily, it is likely predatory rather than herbivorous. The species was described by Carl Stål in 1862 and is currently accepted as valid. Very little specific information is available about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Vulsirea violacea
Vulsirea violacea is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It was described by Fabricius in 1803. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the true bug order Hemiptera, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the group.
Weda tumidifrons
Weda tumidifrons is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Barber and Sailer in 1953. It belongs to the genus Weda, a small group within the diverse stink bug fauna of North America. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. Records indicate it occurs in North America, though specific habitat preferences and life history remain largely unstudied.
Zicrona
Blue Bug (Z. caerulea)
Zicrona is a small genus of shield bugs (Pentatomidae: Asopinae) established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus name derives from the Hebrew word זכרון (zicron), meaning "odorant." Four species are currently recognized, with Z. caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758) being the most widely distributed and commonly encountered. The genus is placed in the predatory subfamily Asopinae, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Zicrona caerulea
Blue Shieldbug, blue shield bug
Zicrona caerulea is a small predatory shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. Adults measure 5–8 mm and display a striking uniform metallic blue-green coloration, with immatures showing red abdomens with black markings. This univoltine species is a documented predator of leaf beetles (Altica spp.), beetle larvae, and moth caterpillars, though it has also been observed feeding on plants. It overwinters as an adult and produces new adults from July onwards.