The brown marmorated stink bug ( Halyomorpha halys ), also known as the brown marmorated stink bug, is an increasingly present threat to agricultural crops in Europe. Originally from Asia, this invasive insect causes significant damage, particularly in orchards (kiwifruit, cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, plums, grapes, hazelnuts, strawberries, ripe raspberries) and vegetable crops (tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cabbages, courgettes, peas, beans), which can lead to economic losses.
Although chemical control has shown its limits against this pest, biological solutions make it possible to better combat this undesirable pest.
- Characteristics of the brown marmorated stink bug
- What are the means of combating the brown marmorated stink bug?
- An invasive species originating from Asia, present in France
- Development cycle of the brown marmorated stink bug
- What are the host plants?
- What damage does the brown marmorated stink bug cause?
Characteristics of the brown marmorated stink bug
| Common names | Brown marmorated stink bug, brown marmorated stink bug |
| Scientific name | Halyomorpha halys |
| Family | Pentatomidae |
The adult Halyomorpha halys measures between 12 and 17 mm long and 7 to 10 mm wide. Its body is shield-shaped, broad and oval, with a gray-brown dorsal color.
Its head is smaller in relation to its body, with antennae marked with two distinct white bands. These segmented antennae and the light patterns on the edges of the elytra are important visual characteristics for species identification. The flattened part of the abdomen shows alternating dark and light bands. The legs of the brown marmorated stink bug are dark and punctuated with white spots.
There is possible confusion with the gray clouded stink bug ( Rhaphigaster nebulosa ), but careful observation of the patterns on the antennae and elytra allows them to be distinguished.
The larvae of the brown marmorated stink bug have a different appearance depending on their stage of development. From stage II onwards, they are distinguished by a rectangular head and black antennae with a white spot. The sides of the larvae’s body are provided with spines, and their legs are dark with white markings.
The brown marmorated stink bug is a polyphagous species , capable of feeding on a wide variety of host plants. This dietary flexibility allows it to adapt to diverse environments and proliferate rapidly.
Its ability to emit a foul-smelling substance when threatened or crushed is an effective defense strategy against predators. Although this secretion is not dangerous to humans , it can be unpleasant and uncomfortable.
What are the means of combating the brown marmorated stink bug?
In Asia, some natural predators such as spiders, ants, solitary wasps and flies help to control the population of the brown marmorated stink bug. However, these predators are not very active in Europe.
Among the means of control, the use of insect nets and pheromone traps for control and detection is recommended. Biological control with auxiliaries is another possible method to limit the damage caused by this invasive species.
At Agrobiotop, we recommend the use of biostimulant products containing natural substances that are used to repel and limit the damage caused by this invasive species.
Contact us for any information regarding the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug.
An invasive species originating from Asia, present in France
Halyomorpha halys is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Its ability to adapt and spread rapidly has allowed this species to become a global threat to agricultural crops.
The invasion of the brown marmorated stink bug began in North America . In 1996, it was first observed on the west coast of the United States. Its rapid spread across the American states has attracted the attention of researchers and farmers because of the damage it causes to crops.
In Europe , the brown marmorated stink bug was first detected in Liechtenstein in 2004. It was later spotted in Zurich in 2007, marking the beginning of its European colonization. It has since spread to several countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Austria, and Serbia.
In France , the brown marmorated stink bug appeared in Alsace in 2012. It was then detected in Paris in 2013, and its expansion continued towards Savoie from 2015. It is now present across a large part of the territory.
Why is the brown marmorated stink bug so invasive?
Several factors explain the invasive success of the brown marmorated stink bug
- Polyphagia : The brown marmorated stink bug thrives on a wide variety of host plants.
- High dispersal power : adults can spread rapidly via air, sea, rail and road transport.
- Rapid reproduction : In Europe, the brown marmorated stink bug can produce up to two generations per year. In Asia, it is up to four generations.
- Absence of effective natural predators : In France and Europe, there are no natural predators capable of effectively regulating the population of the brown marmorated stink bug.
Development cycle of the brown marmorated stink bug
During its life cycle, Halyomorpha halys goes through several distinct stages: egg, five larval stages and one adult stage. In France, this species generally has one generation per year, but can have two when climatic conditions are favorable.
Wintering of adults
During the winter, adults of the brown marmorated stink bug seek shelter to survive the low temperatures. They take refuge in various places such as cracks and crevices, homes, garages, tree bark and dead wood. It is common to see them invade homes in the fall to protect themselves from the cold. They come out of their shelters from April, when temperatures begin to rise.
Laying eggs
The reproduction of the brown marmorated stink bug occurs in spring and summer. During the summer, females lay about twenty eggs on the undersides of the leaves of host plants. These eggs are deposited in groups. A brown marmorated stink bug egg has a rounded shape and is white in color. Hatching occurs between 3 and 6 days after laying, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
Development of larvae
After hatching, the larvae pass through five larval stages before reaching the adult stage. From stage II onwards, the larvae begin to move actively and feed on the host plants.
What are the host plants?
The brown marmorated stink bug is a polyphagous species, capable of feeding on more than 120 species of host plants. Its exclusively vegetarian diet allows it to infest a wide variety of crops.
Fruit trees
Arborists are particularly concerned about the brown marmorated stink bug because of its impact on fruit trees. The main species affected include apple, kiwi, cherry, apricot, raspberry, peach, lemon, pear, persimmon, fig and hazel.
Vegetables
The brown marmorated stink bug also attacks many vegetables. Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, beans and cucumbers are among its favorite targets. By feeding on these vegetables, it causes deformations, discoloration and rotting that make the products unfit for sale. Market gardeners must therefore face significant challenges in protecting their crops against this threat.
Vines
Vineyards are not spared from the marmorated stink bug. This insect can compromise the quality and quantity of the harvest. Winegrowers must therefore implement protective measures to preserve their vines and ensure quality wine production.
Large crops
Field crops such as corn, soybeans and sunflowers are also vulnerable to the brown marmorated stink bug. Grain and field crop growers must carefully monitor their fields and use integrated management strategies to limit infestations.
Shrubs and ornamental plants
In addition to food crops, the marmorated stink bug attacks shrubs and ornamental plants. Magnolia, paulownia, oleander and hibiscus are among the ornamental plants affected.
What damage does the brown marmorated stink bug cause?
A real scourge for crops, the brown marmorated stink bug causes significant damage in orchards, vegetable gardens and agricultural fields. The economic losses for agriculture are considerable.
The feeding bites of the marmorated stink bug on flower buds cause abortions, which prevent flower development and fruit formation. Young fruits are particularly vulnerable, with frequent drops resulting from these attacks. This reduces the number of fruits that can reach maturity.
We observe deformations and alterations in the coloring of fruits and vegetables. Nutritional punctures cause them to rot in a few days, making them unfit for sale.
The bites of the brown marmorated stink bug also cause necrosis around the affected areas on fruits and vegetables. The digestive enzymes injected by the insect cause visible whitish spongy areas on the skin of the fruits.
On hazelnuts attacked by Halyomorpha halys , the development of empty shells is noted.
Damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug results in a significant reduction in yields.
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