TRUE BUGS

Green Stink Bug, Acrosternum hilare

Order: Hemiptera (True bugs)

Size: Up to 3⁄4"

Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, meadows

Range: Throughout North America

The Green Stink Bug is a member of the order of “true bugs” (Hemiptera), all of which have forewings that fold neatly over the back and are leathery at the basal half and membranous at the outer half. There is also a triangular patch on the top of the thorax between the wings. The body is broad and flattened, like a little shield, with small legs and a small head. It is overall bright green, often edged with yellow or red along the body’s perimeter, and has black bands on the antennae. It uses well-developed sucking mouthparts to extract the juices of all kinds of plant material, including commercial crops and home gardens, where it can be a major pest. The common name is due to the fact that adults and larvae can emit a foul-smelling fluid in defense.