# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mediterranean_Spiny_Stink_Bug_Mustha_spinosula_from_izmir_1.png&width=800) Photo: 0959kedi, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mediterranean_Spiny_Stink_Bug_Mustha_spinosula_from_izmir_1.png) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Pentatomidae - **Genus:** Mustha ## 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 - **Stink Spray Defense:** Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug can spray a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators because of special glands near its legs. - **Spiny Armor:** Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug has sharp spines on its body that help protect it from being easily eaten by birds. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Mediterranean Spiny Stink Bug Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mediterranean-spiny-stink-bug)