Identification Guide for Common Stink Bugs in Arkansas
Important phytophagous (plantfeeding) and pestiferous stink bug species in Arkansas include the green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say), the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) and the rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Figure 1).
Southern green stink bug adults can be differentiated from green stink bug adults by the color of bands on antennae. Southern green stink bugs have red bands, while green stink bugs have black bands on the antennae. Another useful characteristic for properly identifying these two species can be observed on the ventral surface (underside) of the insects. When viewed in this aspect, adult green stink bugs have a pointed spine between the base of the hind legs that projects forward toward the head (Figure 2). Adult southern green stink bugs have a more rounded spine in the same location (Figure 3).