Spined-soldier-bug
Guides
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.