Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

invasive species · agricultural pest · insect

Shield-shaped armor. The brown marmorated stink bug gets its name from its flat, shield-like body and the stinky smell it releases when threatened or crushed. This smell helps protect it from predators.

Accidental traveler. This bug is native to Asia, but in 1998 it accidentally hitchhiked to Pennsylvania inside cargo or shipping containers. Since then it has spread across North America, Europe, and South America.

Hungry plant eater. Both young and adult stink bugs feed on over 100 types of plants, especially fruit and vegetable crops. They use a straw-like mouth to poke into apples, peaches, and hazelnuts and suck out the juice, ruining the fruit.

Massive crop damage. In 2010 alone, farmers in the Mid-Atlantic lost 37 million dollars worth of apples. Some peach and cherry growers lost 90% of their entire harvest to these hungry bugs.

Still spreading. The bug continues to invade new countries and regions, making it one of the world's most harmful invasive insects for agriculture.