Key features of BMSB

  • "shield" shaped with piercing mouthparts
  • white bands on dark antennae
  • smooth edge along pronotum or "shoulders"
  • white triangles in pattern along abdomen
Key features of BMSB
Figure 1. Key features of BMSB (Photo credit: David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org)
Pronotum close-up
Figure 2. Pronotum close-up (Photo credit: Duke Eisner, Michigan State University)
Brown marmorated stink bug nymph.
Figure 3. Brown marmorated stink bug nymph. Tick-like in appearance and have the same white bans on antennae. (Photo credit: David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org)

Crops at risk

  • pome fruit
  • tree nuts
  • grapes
  • berry crops
  • asparagus
  • peppers
  • tomatoes
  • sweet, seed and field corn
  • soybeans
  • snap and dry beans
  • ornamentals

BMSB look-a-likes

Squash bug adult. Bodies are ore elongated.
Figure 4. Squash bug adult. Bodies are ore elongated. (Photo credit: University of Maryland Extension)
Spined soldier bug adult. Lack white bands on antennae.
Figure 5. Spined soldier bug adult. Lack white bands on antennae. (Photo credit: Marlin Rice)
Common brown stink bug adult. Lack white bands on antennae.
Figure 6. Common brown stink bug adult. Lack white bands on antennae. (Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University)
Western conifer seed bug. Bodies are more elongated.
Figure 7. Western conifer seed bug. Bodies are more elongated. (Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University)

If you think you have found BMSB, please contact OMAFRA's Agricultural Information Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca

More information is also available at www.ontario.ca/stinkbug

Report a sighting

If you see a suspected Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Ontario, please report it by completing the online reporting form or calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC) at 1-877-424-1300. For photographs, a clear image is needed of the specimen for species confirmation. To help with species identification purposes, follow the tips below for submitting photographs:

  • ensure all images are in colour and in focus
  • provide images of the following two views:
    • the back surface of the insect
    • the side of the insect