Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug

cosmopepla lintneriana

The Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug, Cosmopepla lintneriana, is a small, striking insect native to North America, known for its distinctive coloration and defense mechanisms. Despite its 'stink bug' common name, which hints at its chemical defense, it is a fascinating herbivore that plays a role in various ecosystems. Its vibrant warning colors make it easily recognizable, serving as a deterrent to potential predators. This species is an excellent example of aposematism in the insect world, where bright patterns signal unpalatability or toxicity. It is commonly found in gardens, meadows, and along forest edges, making it a frequent encounter for nature enthusiasts.

Habitat: Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including meadows, prairies, forest edges, gardens, and disturbed areas where its host plants are abundant.

Appearance

This small stink bug is shield-shaped, typically measuring between 5 to 8 millimeters in length. Its body is predominantly black with vivid red or orange markings. The most prominent feature is the two bright red or orange spots located on its scutellum (the triangular plate between the wing bases), which give it its 'twice-stabbed' name. It also commonly has a red or orange band across its pronotum (the segment behind the head) and sometimes additional red markings along the margins of its abdomen. Its antennae are segmented and black, and its legs are also black.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPentatomidaeGenusCosmopepla

Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug

Interesting facts

Despite its 'stink bug' name, its vibrant red and black warning coloration makes it one of the more attractive members of its family.

Like other true bugs (Order Hemiptera), it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts, which it uses to feed on plant sap.

The 'twice-stabbed' part of its name refers to the two prominent red spots on its scutellum, which resemble small stab wounds.

They are often observed basking in sunlight on their host plants, likely to aid in thermoregulation and metabolism.

Special abilities

When threatened, the Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug releases a foul-smelling chemical from glands on its thorax. This noxious odor serves as an effective deterrent against most predators.

Its striking black and red/orange patterns are a classic example of aposematism. These bright warning colors signal to potential predators that the bug is unpalatable or toxic, reducing the likelihood of attack.

Adults of this species exhibit overwintering behavior, seeking shelter in protected locations such as under leaf litter, bark, or rocks to survive the colder months. This allows them to emerge and reproduce in the spring.

Measurements & details

Length: 0 cm
Wingspan: 1 cm
Weight: 0.00005-0.00015 kg
Lifespan: 0-1 years
Clutch Size: 20-50
Incubation: 4-10 days

Diet & Feeding

The Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug is a herbivorous insect that feeds on the sap of various herbaceous plants, using its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids.

Age differences: Nymphs and adults share similar dietary preferences, both feeding on plant sap from a variety of herbaceous plants.

Primary Foods

Mint (Mentha spp.)
Thistle (Cirsium spp.)
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Aster (Aster spp.)

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

A common avian predator of insects, including stink bugs.

eaten by

Orb Weaver Spider

Araneidae family

A generalist predatory spider that might ensnare or ambush various insects.

host plant

Wild Mint

Mentha arvensis

One of the primary host plants from which the bug draws sap.

host plant

Canada Thistle

Cirsium arvense

A common herbaceous plant that serves as a food source for the bug.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug?

The easiest way to identify Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug?

0 cm

What is Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug's wingspan?

1 cm

How much does Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug weigh?

0.00005-0.00015 kg

How long does Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug live?

0-1 years

What does Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug eat?

The Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug is a herbivorous insect that feeds on the sap of various herbaceous plants, using its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids.

Where is Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug usually found?

Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including meadows, prairies, forest edges, gardens, and disturbed areas where its host plants are abundant.

How does Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug hunt?

Foraging