Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - Halyomorpha halys

A large bug (12 to 17 mm long). Similar to the Hairy Shieldbug but distinguished by having white spots at the top of the scutellum and two white bands on the antennae (Hairy Shieldbug has 3). It also has protruding 'shoulders' on the pronotum.

Superficially similar to Hairy Shieldbug (Sloe Bug) Dolycoris baccarum but not hairy.

In view of its rarity in our area, a good quality photo is required and the specimen should be retained in case it is required for reference.

Various habitats where its host crops occur. Halyomorpha halys is a strong flyer which can move from host to host during the growing season covering long distances.

As it is sometimes accidentally imported from countries as far afield as China and the USA it could theoretically occur in any month, but is probably most likely to be seen in the UK in late summer and autumn.

Halyomorpha halys is a highly polyphagous pest attacking more than 100 plant species, primarily fruit trees and woody ornamentals but also field crops.

There are few British records for Halyomorpha halys at present but it has the potential to become a pest species.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Leicester record of 20th August 2020 is the first for VC55.

https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/factsheets/Halyomorpha-halys-Defra-Pest-Factsheet-March-2021-FINAL.pdf