Green stink bug: A master of camouflage and communication
The green stink bug is a species of bug found throughout the country. It usually feeds in parks and gardens but sometimes visits our homes. Do not try to catch it with your bare hands. As the name suggests, when threatened, it releases a very unpleasant, irritating smell.
4:24 PM EDT, June 6, 2024
The green stink bug is commonly found in North America. It can be spotted in forests, parks, gardens, and even on balconies and terraces where the plants it feeds on grow. This insect prefers moist and shaded areas.
What does the green stink bug look like?
The green stink bug, Palomena prasina, grows to about 0.6 inches long. Its body is oval and slightly flattened, and its most characteristic feature is the intense green color, which perfectly camouflages it among leaves. Interestingly, this insect can change color depending on the season, taking on a brown hue in the fall. This makes the green stink bug a true master of camouflage.
The stink bug perfectly blends into the leaves of trees and shrubs, often making it difficult to locate. Thanks to its art of camouflage, the insect can feed on fruits such as raspberries, cherries, or berries. The green stink bug doesn't eat them entirely; it sucks the juices from the insides, making their taste unpleasant.
The green stink bug feeds on plant juices, which can damage crops. However, its primary food sources are wild plants, so the damage it causes is usually minimal. Moreover, the green stink bug is a natural enemy of some plant pests like aphids and caterpillars, making it an ally to gardeners.
An odor that deters
We have already touched on the issue of color, but it's also worth noting the first part of this bug's name. It's not called the green stink bug for no reason. When threatened, it secretes a substance with an intense, unpleasant smell designed to deter potential attackers. It's important to remember that it shouldn't emit a foul odor if not attacked, but the sharp smell can trigger an allergic reaction.
The insect can detect the smell of danger from several yards away, and its intense odor persists even after death. Interestingly, the green stink bug is a master of not only camouflage and deterrence but also communication.
It can "talk" to other members of its species by transmitting vibrations through leaves. These extraordinary "messages" can serve as warnings against rivals or invitations to mate. Moreover, green stink bugs can carry out such conversations even in larger groups.
It’s worth remembering, however, that this bug can fly and may accidentally end up in our homes. In such a case, it’s better to help it find its way out, as it may feel threatened, which would be unpleasant for our noses. However, it should not be touched, as the smell will transfer to us.
