Brown marmorated stink bug vs Southern green stink bug
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a brown marmorated stink bug from a southern green stink bug, and whether either one bites or stings.
Brown marmorated stink bug
Halyomorpha halys
Southern green stink bug
Nezara viridula
≠The key differences
Southern green stink bug is green (not mottled brown) and lacks the distinct pale bands on the antennae seen in Halyomorpha halys.
⚖︎Side by side
| Brown marmorated stink bug | Southern green stink bug | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-venomous nuisance | Odor nuisance |
| Size | 12-20 mm long | 10-18 mm long (typical adult) |
| Colours | Mottled brown, Dark brown, Pale band (antennae), Creamy white (ventral banding) | Bright green, Pale yellow, Dark brown (antennae markings) |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Pentatomidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, orchards, agricultural fields, gardens, and human structures used as overwintering sites | Agricultural fields, gardens, hedgerows and other vegetated areas; often on host plants and crop foliage |
| Range | Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan; invasive and established in North America, much of Europe, parts of South America and other regions | Originally pantropical; now established worldwide in tropical, subtropical and many temperate regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australasia) |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; adults disperse and aggregate in late summer and autumn to overwinter; mostly active in daytime and at dusk | Warm months and daytime; in warm climates adults can be active much of the year |
| 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 southern green stink bug
- Bright green, shield-shaped adult 10-18 mm long with a large triangular scutellum covering much of the back
- Antennae usually with darker bands or tipped segments; edges of pronotum or scutellum may have pale margins
- Nymphs are rounded and change from darker, spotted early instars to green in later instars
- Eggs in compact clusters on the underside of leaves
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brown marmorated stink bug and a southern green stink bug?
Southern green stink bug is green (not mottled brown) and lacks the distinct pale bands on the antennae seen in Halyomorpha halys.
Is a brown marmorated stink bug or a southern green stink bug more dangerous?
Brown marmorated stink bug: Non-venomous nuisance. Southern green stink bug: Odor nuisance. Halyomorpha halys is not venomous and does not spread human disease. Nezara viridula does not sting or inject venom.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.