How to Distinguish Predatory From Plant-Feeding (Herbivorous) Stink Bugs

As a general rule, beaks of predatory stink bugs are at least twice as thick as their antennae, while beaks of herbivorous stink bugs are as thin or thinner than their antennae. This characteristic holds for adults and nymphs and can easily be seen with a hand lens.

Predator Example

Spined Soldier Bug (Podisus maculiventris)

Spined Soldier Bug beak (predator) is more than twice as thick as antennae

Herbivore Example

Brown Stink Bug (Euschistus servus)

Brown Stink Bug beak (herbivore) is as thin or thinner than antennae

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Written By

David Orr Extension Specialist and Associate Professor