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Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug

Mustha spinosula

The Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug is a small insect with a spiky back and a strong smell. They are often found in gardens and fields, where they like to munch on plants.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug has a broad, shield-shaped body, typically appearing in shades of green or mottled brown, often with darker markings. It is visually distinct due to prominent, sharp spines on its shoulders (pronotum), giving it a rugged appearance. Its antennae are segmented and usually darker than its body.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPentatomidaeGenusMustha
Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug
solitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgespiky trait badgediurnal trait badge
Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby stink bugs, called nymphs, grow by shedding their skin five times!

Its eggs often look like tiny, beautifully decorated barrels with little lids!

They can survive winter by hiding in cracks and under bark until spring!

This bug uses a special 'straw' mouthpart to sip juices from plants and fruits!

Special abilities

Ability

Stink Spray Defense

Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug can spray a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators because of special glands near its legs.

Ability

Spiny Armor

Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug has sharp spines on its body that help protect it from being easily eaten by birds.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug can blend perfectly with green leaves or brown branches to hide from watchful eyes.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
60-120 days
Flight Speed
5 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This bug sips plant juices with its special straw-like mouthpart.

Primary Foods

  • fruit sap
  • vegetable sap
  • leaf sap
  • citrus fruits
  • tomato
  • beans

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds like this will prey on adult stink bugs and nymphs.

eaten by

Garden Cross Spider

Araneus diadematus

Spiders often trap stink bugs in their webs.

parasitizes

Stink Bug Egg Parasitoid

Trissolcus basalis

This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside stink bug eggs.

eats

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

The bug feeds on the sap from tomato plants and fruits.

eats

Lemon

Citrus limon

It can feed on the sap and ripening fruits of citrus trees.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch bugs without asking an adult, as some can be smelly or make you itchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug?

10-14 mm

How long does Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug live?

60-120 days

How fast can Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug fly?

5 km/h

What does Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug eat?

This bug sips plant juices with its special straw-like mouthpart.

Where is Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug usually found?

Urban areas

How does Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug have?

6

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