Squash one of these
critters and you will quickly know how they get
their name. The foul smell comes from a fluid they
secrete from a special gland and it is probably
meant as a deterrent to predators.
These insects are
part of the plantbug group and range from 1/4 to 3/4
of an inch in length. Most of them are a dull green,
gray or brown in color but the harlequin bug also
has bright orange markings. Stinkbugs fall into the
category of sucking insects and they feed on tender
foliage or fruit. In large numbers, their feeding
may cause a distortion of the leaves. A few species
are actually predators of other insects.
