Stinkbugs in North Texas
Appearance:
- Shield-shaped body featuring a triangular scutellum (a large, shield-like structure on the
thorax) - Coloration ranges across brown, green, or gray tones
- Length typically spans 1/4 to 3/4 inches (6 to 19 mm)
Habitat:
- Located in gardens, orchards, fields, and forests
- Certain species seek shelter indoors during colder periods
Feeding:
- Plant-based diet utilizing piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract juices
- Some varieties damage agricultural crops
Defense Mechanism:
- Release foul-smelling liquid from thorax scent glands when threatened
- Odor serves as predator deterrent, motivating their common name
