Stink Bug, Predaceous
Common Names: Twospotted Stink Bug, Stink Bug (see also: Stink Bug, Two-Spotted)
Scientific name: Order Heteroptera, family Pentatomidae, Perillus bioculatus
Size: Adult—3/8" to 1/2"
Identification: Shieldlike body of adults ranges from red and black to yellow and black. Black spots on the underside. Antennae are black. Red and black nymphs.
Biology and life cycle: Females lay several hundred gray, barrel-shaped eggs in tight clusters of fifteen to thirty, usually on foliage. Nymphs cluster after hatching, then disperse to feed. Two to three generations a year.
Habitat: Potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, beans, cole crops, asparagus.
Feeding habits: Predator of Colorado potato beetle, bean beetle, corn earworm and moth, asparagus beetle, and cabbage looper. Nymph will devour Colorado potato beetle eggs. Larger nymphs and larvae eat the larvae.
![]() Two-spotted stink bugs |
![]() Two-spotted stink bugs |
Economic importance: Beneficial predator.
Natural control: Birds, snakes, and lizards.
Organic control: None needed.
Insight: These insects are very beneficial.
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