Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - Halyomorpha halys

Description

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.

Similar Species

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

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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.

Habitat

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.

When to see it

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.

Life History

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

UK Status

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

VC55 Status

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

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Species group:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Pentatomidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
20/08/2020 (Sayer, Robert)
Last record:
20/08/2020 (Sayer, Robert)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records