Dusky stink bug

Insect

Dusky stink bug

Euschistus tristigmus (Say)

Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae

Distribution: Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Along with catfacing, damage may appear as depressed, dimpled, corky or water-soaked areas on the fr

Along with catfacing, damage may appear as depressed, dimpled, corky or water-soaked areas on the fruit skin. Peter Shearer, Rutgers Univ.
D

Stink bug adults have a broad, flattened, shield-shaped body and a narrow head. The dusky stink bug is dark brown, with sharp shoulder projections (A).

  • Crops Affected: apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums

    Damage

    Can cause fruit damage in all tree fruits under conditions that are not yet fully understood. Adult feeding during bloom and shuck split can cause the fruit to abort, and feeding later in the summer can cause a deep catfacing injury (B) such as that caused by tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris), or depressed, dimpled, corky or water-soaked areas on the skin (C, D). All tree fruits are attacked, especially peaches and apples. Other species of stink bugs are beneficial predators.

    Management

    Elimination of alternate host broadleaf weeds, especially legumes, in the orchard will contribute to management efforts. If control is needed, insecticides should be timed to kill immigrating adults as they appear in the orchards to prevent feeding damage and subsequent mating and egg laying.

    Similar Species

    The green stink bug [Acrosternum hilare (Say)] is uniformly grass-green. The brown stink bug [Euschistus servus (Say)] is brown to grayish-brown and slightly speckled. The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is usually brown with whitish antennal segments and darker bands on the membranous, overlapping portion of the hind wings. Patches of coppery or bluish metallic-colored punctures occur on the head and pronotum. Nymphal stages of the brown marmorated stink bug have white antennal segments and white bands on their tibia. Their bodies are reddish brown and have horn-like projections near the eyes.

Related Content

About

Resources

Events

  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).