The Southern Green Stink Bug is a large insect that can grow to be the size of an adult's thumbnail. The body of the insect is shaped like a classic shield. They are bright green, full-bodied, plump, slow-moving, and abundant in the South and far into Central America. It is a major pest to soybean farmers because they ruin their produce. Cotton plants are also susceptible to the insect's appetite.
True to its name, the Southern Green Stink Bug emits a noxious smelling chemical from its body if it feels threatened. The odor is foul enough to turn away almost every predator. While this non-native insect's usual habitat is on short weedy plants, it is commonly seen on buildings and homes along door frames and high on walls. It is considered a nuisance when it makes its way indoors. Crushing one releases the odorous chemical inside the room, so the catch-and-release method or toilet flush method should be employed to remove one from the premises.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Colors: green, black
