Tag Archives: Stink Bugs

Black stink bug

A black stink bug on the Big Island of HawaiiA black stink bug on the Big Island of Hawaii
I thought this was a lady bug when I first saw it, but a bit of research revealed that it’s actually a black stink bug (Coptosoma xanthogramma). Black stink bugs were first found in Hawaii in 1965 on Oahu and can be problematic for some legumes and vines here.

Oriental stink bug

An oriental stink bug on a basil leaf.
An oriental stink bug on a basil leaf.

When I first saw this bug, I thought it was a Japanese beetle. Later, I realized I was wrong and it was a stink bug. They get their name because they can emit a foul-smelling substance when disturbed. Luckily, I didn’t disturb it enough to provoke that response, though there was no way I was going to leave it be on the basil plant where I found it. Most mornings see the plant with new holes or bite marks. Seems to be a favorite of just about every bug around.