Shield bug
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Shield bug and stink bug (or shieldbug and stinkbug) are common names applied to various insects of the Hemiptera order (the "true bugs"), in the Heteroptera suborder. Shield bugs have glands in their thorax between the first and second pair of legs which produce a foul smelling liquid. This liquid is used defensively to deter potential predators and is sometimes released when the bugs are handled carelessly. The stink comes from aldehydes such as [CH_3-(CH_2)_2-CH=CH-CHO], and is chemically similar to pheromones. The nymphs are similar to adults, except smaller and without wings, the nymphs also have stink glands.
The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. When they group in large numbers they can become significant pests.
The superfamily Pentatomoidea consists of generally shield-shaped true bugs, with the families listed to the right.
Other species that resemble shield bugs are found in the Coreoidea superfamily.
External links
- [Stink Bugs of North America - photos and information]
- [Green Stink Bug Acrosternum hilare - large format diagnostic photos, adults and nymphs]
- [Stink Bug Cosmopepla bimaculata diagnostic photos]
- [A shieldbug's life]; a BBC article on British shield bugs, June 2004.
- [Pentatomoidea Home page, North Dakota State University]
- [Australian Shield Bugs]
- [Alarm Pheromone System of Stink Bug Piezodorus guildinii (PDF)]
- [Stink Bug Photos] Photos of Australian Stink Bug laying eggs
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