Brown marmorated stink bug, also known in Asia as the yellow-brown stink bug.

Halyomorpha halys

Asia, North America (throughout the USA and Canada), Europe, Oceania. It has been recorded from Guam, but not from other Pacific island countries. It has been intercepted in Australia and New Zealand. It is originally from Asia, but has been introduced recently into the USA and Europe.

In the USA it is often found in woodlots - small parcels of trees planted for various uses (fuel, birds, wildflowers, walking). In addition, many fruit trees, row crops, vegetables and woody ornamentals are attacked. More than 100 hosts have been recorded, including the following: apple, capsicum, cherry, green bean, grape, maize, peach, pear, raspberry, soybean, and tomato.

The nymphs and adults damage plants by injecting toxic saliva while feeding causing symptoms on leaves, stems and fruits. On fruits, corky spots, sunken areas, distortions (catface symptoms), and premature death occur. Seeds fail to develop.

Eggs are smooth, cream to yellow-orange, and laid on the undersides of leaves in clusters of 20-30 (Photo 1). The eggs hatch to nymphs with dark heads, orange abdomens with black stripes (Photo 1). As they moult they take on the colours of the adult, with dark banding on the legs and antennae (Photos 2&3). There are five nymph stages. The adults are 12-17 mm long by 7-10 mm wide, shield-shaped, mottled brown on the top, with black and white markings to the outer edge of the body; they, too, have banded legs and antennae (Photo 4). At 30°C it takes about 35 days from egg to adult.

Spread occurs by flight on the wing over relatively short distances, during day and night. Over long distances, spread occurs as 'hitch-hikers' in cargo on ships, and via the international trade in plants.

Since its introduction to the US in 2010, it has caused crop losses on pip fruits (apples and pears), stone fruits (cherries, peaches and nectarines), nuts (hazelnut, pecan), grains (wheat), vegetables (maize and sweetcorn, capsicum, tomato, okra, eggplant, cucurbits, beans), and row crops (soybean). Damage of over 50% is common in some crops. 'Stink bug taint' is a potential problem in grapes grown for wine. Increase use of pesticides has also been recorded, and there have been secondary pest outbreaks because natural enemies have been destroyed. Furthermore, in temperate regions, large numbers of adults create a nuisance in autumn as they aggregate and invade homes, and other types of buildings, to overwinter. As its name implies, it emits a strong, unpleasant smell when disturbed.

Look for the brightly coloured early nymphs or the mottled (or marbled) brownish upper side of late nymphs and adults. However, because there are species with similar characteristics, it is important for specimens to be examined by a specialist.

The bug is attracted to UV traps, and there is a pheromone. A number of counting methods have been developed for tree and field crops; they are either based on sweeping or beating foliage on a set number of plants.

BIOSECURITY
Countries not yet infested by the stink bug should consider all likely pathways for entry and apply quarantine measures accordingly. The introduction of eggs and nymphs on produce for the market is not considered likely, because the bug does not survive well at low temperatures. However, there is risk from nymphs in the international trade of nursery plants. Greatest risk comes from the habit of adults to aggregate in autumn, and then find shelters to overwinter in cracks and crevices in (non-plant) materials, such as luggage, machinery, furniture and cars, which are then transported in ocean-going cargo containers or packing crates. Once established in a new destination, further spread follows roads and railways.

NATURAL ENEMIES
A large number of egg and adult parasitoids are known. Egg parasitoids of Trissolcus species (family Platygastridae) and Anastatus bifasciatus (family Eupelmidae) are especially common and effective in Asia. They have also been introduced into Europe, and their impact is being studied for potential release in the USA. Also, under study in the USA and China, is the use of Anastatus japonicus, mass-reared on an lepidopteran host, Antheraea pernyi.

Beetle and earwig species are known predators.

CULTURAL CONTROL
No effective cultural control measures have been suggested for this bug.

CHEMICAL CONTROL
In most situations, the bug has been managed with sprays of neonicotinoids and pyrethroids. Note, there are accounts of resistance developing to pyrethroid insecticides. Also, pesticides may impact on IPM programs, resulting in outbreaks of scales, mites and aphids. In some field crops, such as maize, the bugs enter from woodlot borders and only the first few metres of the crop require spraying; the exact distance is determined by scouting.

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When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval. Recommendations will vary with the crop and system of cultivation. Expert advice on the most appropriate pesticides to use should always be sought from local agricultural authorities.