Brown Marmorated Stink Bug,
Halyomorpha halys 
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is native to Eastern Asia where it is a pest of numerous plants, including a variety of ornamental shade and fruit trees, vegetables, and legumes. It is also considered a nuisance pest because it will aggregate in homes and other dwellings as it seeks hibernation sites in the fall. BMSB was first discovered in North America in Eastern Pennsylvania in 2001. Since then, BMSB has been found in 33 states, and most recently in New Hampshire.
This stink bug has a wide and varied host range. Especially vulnerable are peach, apple and soybeans, but BMSB has also been reported to attack grape, raspberry, cherry, cucurbits, fig, paulownia, and tomatoes. Adults emerge between May and June, and the females lay up to 400 eggs throughout her lifetime on the lower surfaces of leaves. Nymphs hatch within 4 or 5 days and commence feeding on leaves and stems with their sucking mouthparts. Both adults and nymphs feed on the fruit. [How to tell the difference between BMSB and the western conifer seed bug, a common household invader]
Feeding damage to leaves cause circular "stippled" areas, while damage on fruit appear as pits and discoloration. Plants may look unsightly and distorted because of this damage and rotting may occur.
For more information visit these sites:
Cornell University article
University of Maryland Extension
Ohio State University Fact Sheet (.pdf)
Penn State Dept. of Entomology
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
If you suspect brown marmaorated stink bug on your crops, please notify the Maine Department of Agriculture (207) 287-3891.
photos by David R. Lance, USDA-APHIS-PPQ
![[How to tell the difference between BMSB and the western conifer seed bug, a common household invader]](../../images/pests/soybean/WCSBvsBMSB.jpg){kind=link}
