Brown marmorated stink bug vs Spined soldier bug
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a brown marmorated stink bug from a spined soldier bug, and whether either one bites or stings.
Brown marmorated stink bug
Halyomorpha halys
Spined soldier bug
Podisus maculiventris
≠The key differences
H. halys is typically broader and more rounded, lacks the pronounced pronotal spines of Podisus maculiventris, and has white banding on the antennae; H. halys is mainly a plant feeder and a nuisance pest.
⚖︎Side by side
| Brown marmorated stink bug | Spined soldier bug | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-venomous nuisance | Mild bite |
| Size | 12-20 mm long | 8.5-13 mm long |
| Colours | Mottled brown, Dark brown, Pale band (antennae), Creamy white (ventral banding) | Brown, Olive green, Cream (egg clusters) |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Pentatomidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, orchards, agricultural fields, gardens, and human structures used as overwintering sites | Fields, vegetable gardens, orchards, meadows and hedgerows where prey insects occur |
| Range | Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan; invasive and established in North America, much of Europe, parts of South America and other regions | Native and widespread across North America, from southern Canada through the United States into Mexico; released experimentally as a biological-control agent in some other regions |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; adults disperse and aggregate in late summer and autumn to overwinter; mostly active in daytime and at dusk | Spring to autumn (active daytime and early evening); multiple generations in warm regions |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍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 spined soldier bug
- Shield-shaped body 8.5-13 mm long with a distinct sharp projection or 'spine' at each side of the pronotum.
- Pale tan to light brown, densely dotted with dark punctures; often a dark spot near the tip of each wing membrane.
- Nymphs lack wings and are often orange-red in early instars; active hunters on leaves and stems.
- Eggs are barrel-shaped and laid in tight clusters on the underside of leaves.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brown marmorated stink bug and a spined soldier bug?
H. halys is typically broader and more rounded, lacks the pronounced pronotal spines of Podisus maculiventris, and has white banding on the antennae; H. halys is mainly a plant feeder and a nuisance pest.
Is a brown marmorated stink bug or a spined soldier bug more dangerous?
Brown marmorated stink bug: Non-venomous nuisance. Spined soldier bug: Mild bite. Halyomorpha halys is not venomous and does not spread human disease. Not poisonous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.