photo: Deepak Matahda
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 16, 2005) -
Unfortunately being stinky is not the only
claim to fame for the brown marmorated stink bug, an Asian pest that was recently
discovered in the Northeast United States. Because this new exotic insect has the
potential to damage many agricultural crops and ornamentals, it has earned
“Invader of the Month” status for June, 2005.
The presence of this stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) was first confirmed in 2001 in
Pennsylvania and has since been found in New Jersey, West Virginia, Oregon, and Maryland;
however, the list will continue to grow as natural and human-aided movement occurs.
Brown marmorated stink bugs overwinter as adults in protected places
and may seek shelter in houses (much like boxelder bugs and ladybird
beetles). If disturbed or crushed, they emit a typical fruity,
stinkbug odor that adds “insult to invasion.” State officials are
concerned that this insect may shift from buildings and backyards to
agricultural settings and cause economic losses on crops, including
many fruits, ornamental plants, and soybeans as it has in its native
land.
In the spring, adults become active and lay eggs on vegetation. Nymphs
emerge and feed through the growing season, finally developing into
the adult stage by autumn. Adult stink bugs are about 5/8 inch
long, grey – brown mottled in color with alternating dark and light
bands on the antennae and legs. Larger nymphs lack wings but are
otherwise similar in appearance.
The brown marmorated stink bug has already been confirmed several times
in the Hagerstown, Md. area, but the Maryland Department of Agriculture
is interested in monitoring the further spread of this pest. Since the
brown marmorated stink bug looks much like some common native stinkbugs
that also wander into houses, identification needs to be confirmed by
MDA entomologists. If you live outside of Washington County and think
you have seen these insects, please contact the Plant Protection
Section at 410-841-5920 for sampling instructions.
For more information about brown marmorated stink bug and other Invasive Species of
Concern, visit www.mdinvasives.org
photos available electronically on request.
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BMSB on Asian pear
Deepak Matadha, Rutgers University
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BMSB on raspberry
Karen Berhnard, Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension
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BMSB eggs hatching
Gary Bernon, USDA APHIS
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BMSB on green beans
Deepak Matadha, Rutgers University
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