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New Stink Bug Species Invades Dane County
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/13/2015

Plant pest authorities in Wisconsin say that a new home-invading nuisance, the brown marmorated stink bug, is turning up in the Madison area this fall and has likely become established in Dane County.

"People might be familiar with native species of stink bugs, but the brown marmorated stink bug is an exotic. It originates from Eastern Asia, and like other exotics, it lacks natural enemies," said Brian Kuhn, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. "In other parts of the nation where it has been found, it has attacked a wide range of agricultural, garden and ornamental plants, and gets into homes to overwinter."

Like boxelder bugs and some other fall-invading pests, they may congregate on the outside of buildings in autumn and sneak into small openings seeking shelter. They do not reproduce indoors, however.

Because fruit trees are a favorite food for the insect, Wisconsin apple growers have been particularly worried that it would make its way to the state. Feeding on apples and other tree fruits, these bugs cause distortions on the surface of the fruit with underlying bruised spots in the flesh. In states where they have become established, they have also attacked peaches, mulberries, soybeans, sweet and field corn, tomatoes, lima beans, green peppers, and ornamental plants.

Brown marmorated stink bugs look very similar to native stink bugs. They are shield shaped, a half inch to three-quarters inch long, and are marbled ("marmorated") with different shades of brown. Their antennae have light and dark bands, which distinguishes them from other stink bug species. They have scent glands that are the source of their name.


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