Twice Stabbed Stink Bug: Essential Facts and Tips for Your Garden

The Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug, scientifically known as Cosmopepla lintneriana (or its close relative Cosmopepla bimaculata), is an interesting and unique species of stink bug. Native to North America, these bugs can be found in various regions, including Illinois and New York. As part of the order Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera, infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Pentatomoidea, subfamily Pentatominae, tribe Carpocorini, and genus Cosmopepla, these stink bugs possess fascinating traits and behaviors.

In appearance, Twice-Stabbed Stink Bugs have distinctive features, such as their black body with two red spots, which earned them their notable name. They primarily feed on plants and insects, benefiting the ecosystem by acting as natural predators for pests. This makes them valuable to the environment and agriculture, controlling the population of harmful insects.

As you explore more about these intriguing stink bugs, be aware of their significance and the role they play in maintaining the ecological balance. From their unique markings to their beneficial predatory behavior, the Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug is a fascinating species worth getting to know.

Identification

Color and Size

The Twice Stabbed Stink Bug, also known as the two-spotted stink bug, has a distinctive appearance. Its body is primarily black, with two contrasting red or orange spots on the scutellum, which is the large triangle shape on top of the thoracic segment.

These stink bugs vary in size, typically ranging from 14-17mm in length, which is comparable to the size of a U.S. dime.

Key Features

There are several distinguishing features that set the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug apart from other stink bugs:

• Black body with two contrasting red or orange spots on the scutellum
• Large, triangle-shaped scutellum with a rounded rear end
• Barrel-shaped eggs, about 1/20 inch in size

Adult stink bugs possess antennae with alternating light and dark bands on the last two segments. Their abdominal edges also display alternating broad light and dark bands source.

Synonyms and Common Names

The Twice Stabbed Stink Bug is known by several common names:

• Two-spotted Stink Bug
• Wee Harlequin Bug

These names all refer to the same species of stink bug, recognized for its black body with distinct red or orange spots on the scutellum source.

Habitat and Geographic Range

The Twice Stabbed Stink Bug, also known as Cosmopepla lintneriana, is commonly found throughout North America. This particular bug thrives in various habitats such as forests, gardens, and meadows. They’re quite adaptable and can be found in both urban and rural settings.

In the United States, you can find these bugs mainly in the eastern states and stretching to the western regions. They are most prevalent in Tennessee (TN) and its surrounding states, where the environment is suitable for their survival.

In Canada, the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug is also present, primarily in the southern parts where the climate is warmer and more conducive to their existence.

Some key features of the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug’s habitat preferences include:

• Preference for warm climates
• Adaptability to urban and rural environments
• Presence in forests, gardens, and meadows

Although the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug can be found across North America, their specific populations can vary depending on factors such as climate and availability of food. It’s essential to be aware of their preferred habitats when studying their distribution, as these factors can impact their overall geographic range.

Diet and Food Sources

The Twice Stabbed Stink Bug is a type of stink bug that feeds on various types of plants. They are known to have a diverse diet, which includes different parts of plants like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even crops.

Some examples of their preferred food sources are:

• Plants: They can feed on a wide range of plants, both ornamental and agricultural.
• Fruit: Stink bugs can cause damage to fruits like apples, peaches, and grapes.
• Vegetables: They are also known to feed on vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and corn.
• Crops: Stink bugs can potentially harm crops, such as soybeans and cotton.

These bugs extract nutrients from plants by piercing the plant tissue with their long mouthparts called stylets. They then suck the sap or nectar from the plants, which can cause significant damage.

To protect your plants from stink bugs, it’s essential to be vigilant and monitor for any signs of infestation. If you notice stink bugs on your plants, consider applying appropriate pest control measures to minimize damage and keep your garden healthy.

In summary, the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug feeds on a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crops. They can cause considerable damage by extracting sap and nectar from plants, so it’s crucial to monitor their presence and take action to protect your garden.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activities

Twice Stabbed Stink Bugs become active during warmer seasons. They typically start to emerge in spring and continue their life cycle throughout summer. In colder months, they seek out sheltered spots to overwinter.

Reproduction and Growth

These stink bugs reproduce through laying eggs. A female will lay clusters of eggs on host plants. Once the eggs hatch, small nymphs emerge, beginning their development. As they grow, they undergo several stages called instars before reaching adulthood.

Feeding Habits

Twice Stabbed Stink Bugs feed on various food sources, mainly plant-based. They use their piercing and sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from the plants, which could cause harm to the host plant.

Remember to observe these bugs with care and avoid handling them, as their defensive secretions can be unpleasant.

The Stink Bug and Humans

Bug Entry and Wintering

The Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug often enters homes through small openings like windows, doors, eaves, or other entry points. They can also slip through gaps in siding, utility pipes, and chimneys. During winter, these bugs seek warm places to survive the cold temperatures. They often find their way into your home, hiding in walls or attics to avoid the chilly weather outside.

Preventing Infestations

To prevent stink bug infestations, you should:

• Seal off any gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Inspect eaves, utility pipes, and chimneys for potential entry points and close them off.
• Consider putting mint or other strong-smelling plants near your home, as they can deter stink bugs from entering.

Natural Remedies

If you notice a stink bug infestation, there are several natural remedies you can use:

• DIY trap: Create a simple trap using a plastic bottle, soapy water, and a light source to lure the bugs.
• Insecticidal soap: A gentle insecticide option that can be sprayed on the bugs or their hiding spots.
• Garlic spray: A mixture of garlic and water can repel stink bugs.
• Essential oils: Some essential oils, like peppermint or lavender, can serve as a natural deterrent.

Effects of Infestations

Stink bug infestations can have several negative effects:

• Damage: These bugs can damage plants, flowers, and fruits in your garden.
• Odor: They emit an unpleasant smell when disturbed or crushed, hence their name.
• Pheromones: The bugs release pheromones that attract more stink bugs, potentially worsening the infestation.

To tackle an infestation, consider using a combination of the aforementioned prevention techniques and natural remedies. If the problem persists, you may need to contact an exterminator for professional assistance.

Stink Bug Relatives

Similar Species

In the world of stink bugs, there are several species that are quite similar to the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug. For example, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a common insect pest that is often found on ornamental plants and various crops. Another example is the Two-Spotted Stink Bug, which is a predatory bug that helps control other pests.

Family and Order

The Twice Stabbed Stink Bug belongs to the Family Pentatomidae, a group of insects commonly known as “true bugs.” Within this family, there are many species, including BMSB and Two-Spotted Stink Bug, that share common characteristics.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The following characteristics can help you distinguish Twice Stabbed Stink Bug from its relatives:

• Size: They are smaller than BMSBs.
• Color: They have a distinctive black color with two red markings on their back, resembling stab wounds, hence the name “Twice Stabbed.”
• Body Shape: They have a shield-shaped body, which is typical of the Pentatomidae family.

Plant-host relationships

Among its stink bug relatives, the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug has a different relationship with plants. While pests like BMSB and others feed on plants, causing damage to crops and ornamentals, the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug is a predator that feeds on other insects. This makes it a helpful ally in controlling pests like cimex carnifex and some ornamental plant pests, such as aster-feeding bugs.

Additional Resources

Scientific Sources

There are numerous scientific sources available to study the Twice Stabbed Stink Bug, its behavior, and ways to control its population. For in-depth information, you can access research papers, articles, and expert opinions.

Recommended Readings

For a deeper understanding of stink bugs, including identification, lifecycle, and control methods, consider the following recommended readings:

• University of Maryland Extension’s Common Stink Bugs of the Mid-Atlantic.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

Extermination Services

When facing a stink bug infestation in your home or garden, hiring a exterminator may be an effective solution. Extermination services offer expertise and specialized equipment to tackle stink bug problems. Remember to verify their experience in handling stink bugs specifically.

DIY Tips

You can try DIY methods to control stink bug populations, such as:

• Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum your home, including potential hiding spaces like blinds or curtains.
• Sealing entry points: Close gaps and openings in your home to prevent stink bug entry.
• Garden maintenance: Maintain your garden by removing weeds or debris that may attract stink bugs.

Safety Measures

Take the safety measures below when dealing with stink bugs:

• Wear gloves: Stink bugs release an unpleasant odor when threatened or crushed.
• Do not use chemical insecticides indoors: Chemical solutions can be harmful to humans if not used properly.

Further Study

For those interested in further study on stink bugs, consider enrolling in entomology or pest management courses from reputed institutions. Online courses may offer flexibility and accessibility for your educational goals.

For Kids

Children can learn about stink bugs through age-appropriate materials, such as illustrated books and videos. Engaging content on stink bugs and other insects helps foster an early interest in science and the natural world.

Finding Help

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you are dealing with stink bug infestations. Reach out to local pest control professionals or ask for advice from university extension experts and researchers. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.