Brown marmorated stink bug vs Rice stink bug
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a brown marmorated stink bug from a rice stink bug, and whether either one bites or stings.
Brown marmorated stink bug
Halyomorpha halys
Rice stink bug
Oebalus pugnax
≠The key differences
H. halys is broader and more rounded, has alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and the edges of the abdomen are banded — Oebalus pugnax lacks those prominent antennal bands and is more uniformly mottled brown.
⚖︎Side by side
| Brown marmorated stink bug | Rice stink bug | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-venomous nuisance | Non-toxic |
| Size | 12-20 mm long | 9-13 mm body length |
| Colours | Mottled brown, Dark brown, Pale band (antennae), Creamy white (ventral banding) | Brown, Tan, Dark brown, Cream |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Pentatomidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, orchards, agricultural fields, gardens, and human structures used as overwintering sites | Rice fields, marshes, wet grasslands, and edges with grasses and sedges; also on sorghum, barley and wild grasses. |
| Range | Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan; invasive and established in North America, much of Europe, parts of South America and other regions | Eastern and southern United States (including U.S. rice-growing regions), south into Mexico and the Caribbean. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; adults disperse and aggregate in late summer and autumn to overwinter; mostly active in daytime and at dusk | Active during the growing season; most damaging in rice from heading through grain fill (summer in temperate zones). Diurnal but often hide in canopy during heat. |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a brown marmorated stink bug
- Shield-shaped body 12-20 mm long with mottled brown 'marmorated' pattern
- Two pale bands on the antennae and alternating light/dark banding along the abdomen edge
- Pronotum with small dark punctures and faint white markings on the lateral margins
- When disturbed adults release a characteristic pungent odor
🔍How to spot a rice stink bug
- Shield-shaped, elongated pentatomid 9-13 mm long, straw-coloured to golden-brown, with pointed shoulder spines on the pronotum.
- Distinct scutellum (triangular shield) extending partway across the back; forewing veins often show darker lines.
- Found on rice panicles or grassy seedheads during heading and grain fill.
- Releases a characteristic foul odor when handled or crushed.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brown marmorated stink bug and a rice stink bug?
H. halys is broader and more rounded, has alternating light and dark bands on the antennae and the edges of the abdomen are banded — Oebalus pugnax lacks those prominent antennal bands and is more uniformly mottled brown.
Is a brown marmorated stink bug or a rice stink bug more dangerous?
Brown marmorated stink bug: Non-venomous nuisance. Rice stink bug: Non-toxic. Halyomorpha halys is not venomous and does not spread human disease. Rice stink bugs are not dangerous to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.