Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

Artist: Laura Tranquilino, Rhys Pritchett

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

 Halyomorpha halys is considered to be one 36 agricultural pests across Northern America, with about 36 species across the U.S. Native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan it was brought over in 1998. The stink bug is a herbivore consuming over 100 different species of plants creating major economic damage.

Ecological Importance:

•   Feeding other insects:

Recently, Stink Bugs have been found to feed wasps and ants by wounding plants, causing them to leak sap that is edible to wasps and ants.

Unfortunately, they can also damage trees and introduce disease which is why for many these are considered pests.

• Biological Control

Podisus maculiventris, the spined soldier bug, another species of stink bug has been found to be a predator of more than 70 insect species including the Halyomorpha halys itself. West Virginia University is researching the potential of exploiting these stink bugs to combat stink bugs with stink bugs.

Concerns:

Stink bug populations are currently rising in the U.S because warmer temperatures provide their ideal environment, for reproduction.

Fun Facts:

• In 2010 their feeding damage created loss of apples costing the US $37 million

This router is located on the West wall of Holt Hall.