HemipteraPentatomidae – Stink Bugs3 data sources

Harlequin Bug

Murgantia histrionica

This record describes Murgantia histrionica (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Harlequin Bug - Murgantia histrionica
Recorded characteristics
Pattern and shape terms
  • stripes
  • spots
Activity terms
  • flying
Other recorded terms
  • multicolored

Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.

Wikipedia reference for Murgantia histrionica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequin_cabbage_bug.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Pentatomoidea
Family
Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
Subfamily
Pentatominae
Tribe
Strachiini
Genus
Murgantia

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Murgantia histrionica. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.

Ecological role of the group

Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.

Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Harlequin Bug (8)

Harlequin Bug - photo 1
Harlequin Bug - photo 2
Harlequin Bug - photo 3
Harlequin Bug - photo 4
Harlequin Bug - photo 5
Harlequin Bug - photo 6
Harlequin Bug - photo 7
Harlequin Bug - photo 8