# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 12 - **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. ![Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/55448883/medium.jpeg) Photo: Reiner Jakubowski, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/55448883) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Pentatomidae - **Genus:** Cosmopepla ## 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 - **Chemical Defense:** 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. - **Aposematic Coloration:** 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. - **Cryptic Overwintering:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Twice-Stabbed 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. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Anderson Japanese Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-japanese-gardens) — Illinois, US · Botanical Garden - [Chatham Arch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chatham-arch) — Indiana, US · Neighborhood - [Fort Tryon Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-tryon-park) — New York, US · Park - [Hoffner Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hoffner-historic-district) — Ohio, US · Historic District - [Irvington Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/irvington-historic-district) — Indiana, US · Historic District - [Lyman Run State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lyman-run-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park [View all places to see Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/twice-stabbed-stink-bug) ## 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: [Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/twice-stabbed-stink-bug)