Rice Stink Bug
Oebalus pugnax
This record describes Oebalus pugnax (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prominent spines, projecting forward, are distinctive in adult. Early instars are mostly pinkish with transverse black spots on abdomen; later instars have pale body with pink and black spots.
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
- Carpocorini
- Genus
- Oebalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to AZ (ME-FL to MN-AZ) to Brazil; W. Indies (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grasses (including wheat, rice, corn, and other crops); may attack caterpillars
Life History
Typically overwinters as adult near the ground among grass. Adults become active in spring and females lay eggs in clusters of 10-30 in double rows on leaves or seed heads of grasses. Nymphs molt five times to become adults. There may be two to five generations per year. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius 1775)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Oebalus pugnax. 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.
Photos of Rice Stink Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Stink Bug
What is Rice Stink Bug?
Rice Stink Bug (Oebalus pugnax) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Rice Stink Bug?
8-12 mm
How do you identify Rice Stink Bug?
Prominent spines, projecting forward, are distinctive in adult. Early instars are mostly pinkish with transverse black spots on abdomen; later instars have pale body with pink and black spots.
Where is Rice Stink Bug found?
Range: e. US to AZ (ME-FL to MN-AZ) to Brazil; W. Indies (BG data)
What does Rice Stink Bug eat?
The diet of the Rice Stink Bug includes grasses (including wheat, rice, corn, and other crops); may attack caterpillars.
What is the life cycle of a Rice Stink Bug?
Typically overwinters as adult near the ground among grass. Adults become active in spring and females lay eggs in clusters of 10-30 in double rows on leaves or seed heads of grasses. Nymphs molt five times to become adults. There may be two to five generations per year. ( 4 )