A pale brown to tan stink bug a little less than 1/2 inch (11 mm) long. The thorax has prominent, pointed “shoulders.” Legs are greenish with no spots. The spotless legs separate this species from similar looking Euschistus sp. stink bugs. A combination of the black streaks on wing tips and the shoulder spines on the thorax are diagnostic identification characteristics. The individual in Photo B appears to be a fifth instar nymph.
The Spined Soldier Bug is widely distributed throughout North America and is considered to be the most common predatory stink bug. It is common in this area. It can be found in many habitats including crop fields, forested areas and roadsides. The individual in Photo A came to mothing lights at Neale Woods in June 2016.
This stink bug is predatory on other insects, especially on caterpillars. It is an important biological control on pest species, particularly in heated greenhouses. It can produce three generations per year. It can live up to four months and overwinters as an adult.
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