Black Stink Bug
ExploreInsects
Black Stink Bug
Proxys punctulatus
The Black Stink Bug is a small insect that can be found in gardens and fields. It has a shiny black body and can release a smelly liquid when it feels threatened.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Black Stink Bug is a completely matte black, shield-shaped insect. It has distinctive sharp, pointed 'shoulders' (humeral angles) and a broad, flat back, making it visually distinct from other dark beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPentatomidaeGenusProxys
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby stink bugs, called nymphs, look like tiny, wingless versions of their parents!
Its scientific name, Proxys punctulatus, refers to the bug's sharp, pointed body!
Many stink bugs spend winter hiding in cracks and under bark, only emerging when spring arrives!
When startled, a Black Stink Bug might just drop to the ground and play dead to avoid danger!
Special abilities
Ability
Stink Shield
Black Stink Bug can release a foul-smelling liquid because of special glands that helps them deter hungry predators.
Ability
Stealthy Shade
Black Stink Bug has an all-black body that helps them blend perfectly with shadows and dark surfaces to hide.
Ability
Plant Drinker
Black Stink Bug can pierce plants with its straw-like mouthpart because of specialized tools that helps them drink nourishing sap.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-20 mm
- Size
- 10-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 150-240 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This bug is a vegetarian, using its straw-like mouth to drink juices from plants!
Primary Foods
- soybean
- cotton
- corn
- tomato
- various fruits
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
soybean
Glycine max
Sucks nourishing sap from soybean plants, sometimes causing damage.
eats
tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Feeds on juicy tomato fruits and their leaves.
hunts
Spined Soldier Bug
Podisus maculiventris
A predatory stink bug that preys on its nymphs.
parasitizes
Samurai Wasp
Trissolcus basalis
A tiny parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside stink bug eggs.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A common bird that might snack on these bugs.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch stink bugs, as they can release a smelly liquid when scared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Stink Bug's wingspan?
15-20 mm
How big is Black Stink Bug?
10-14 mm
How long does Black Stink Bug live?
150-240 days
How fast can Black Stink Bug fly?
8 km/h
What does Black Stink Bug eat?
This bug is a vegetarian, using its straw-like mouth to drink juices from plants!
Where is Black Stink Bug usually found?
Urban areas
How does Black Stink Bug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Black Stink Bug have?
6
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