Insect with piercing-sucking feeding habit.
In general, the body of adults of both sexes is bright green, with fine elongated orange spots on the anterior margin of the head, on the mesothorax, on the anterior portion of the hemelytron, and on the terga. They average 15 mm in length.
The eggs are yellowish, cylindrical, with a white operculum. When mature, they turn orange. Egg size is 1.25 mm long by 0.85 mm in diameter.
Nymph development occurs in five instars. The fully developed nymph is generally green with reddish or pinkish margins and small black spots on the dorsal thorax. The abdomen shows reddish central and lateral plates surrounded by white spots.
Damage: Individuals position themselves on tender plant tissues, sucking sap and injecting toxic saliva, which causes tissue necrosis.
If the attack occurs during the floral bud stage, it causes deformation or desiccation of the bud. In crops with apical dominance, it may induce the appearance of axillary buds. If damage occurs during flowering, it produces empty seeds or seeds with reduced weight.
Predisposing conditions: The pest is favored by warm and humid climates, with greater activity in spring and summer.
The presence of green stink bugs in homes can cause damage to plants and fruits, weakening their growth and potentially causing their death. Additionally, they may carry diseases and become a nuisance to household residents.
Author of this compilation: Manuel Godoy – 02/20/2026