subject: There's Something About Stinkbug [print this page] There's Something About Stinkbug There's Something About Stinkbug
A stinkbug is an interesting little insect that can be found in different parts of the world. Its most striking trait is its shield shaped back but what really makes it famous or rather infamous is the stink that it releases once it is attacked. Just as the skunk is known for its odorous attack, it is the same with this bug. Stink bugs belong to the family of insects known as Pentatomidae. They get their name from the Greek word pente' which means five, pertaining to the number of sections of their antennae. The name is also used to pertain to other insects distantly affiliated with Pentatomidae. The boxelder bug and the pinacate beetles are two examples. However, the appellation is more idiomatic in use.
The Pentatomidae family is under the Pentatomoidea superfamily. There is a different number of species and each one is distinct from the other. The stinkbug comes in a variety of colors ranging from brown to green and a variety of jewel colors in between. They are actually pretty to look at if you look at it from an artist's point of view. But if you're a farmer and they are wreaking havoc on your plants, you might be forgiven if you overlook that fact. These insects are considered pests by a majority of farmers. They feed on fruits by sucking out the juices and discolor the leaves of ornamental plants in the same way. What is more disturbing is that they resistant to pesticides and what may work for one kind of bug may not necessarily be as effective for the others.
It is no surprise then that farmers would wish to get the most effective way of removing the infestation from their crops in the most expeditious means possible. A good way of maximizing your pest control is through the help of a stinkbug expert. Actually, any entomologist will be helpful in helping you identify the kind of bug that's in your crops. This is the key to an effective campaign to get rid of stink bugs, shield bugs and the like. And since these creatures come back every year once they have learned to call your place home, it is worth the expense of hiring an expert and putting a pest control program in place. It would also help ensure the commercial viability of your crops.
But not all Pentatomidae are villains. A small number of them help the farmer by eating other pests in the garden. The red-orange anchor shape of the anchorago or anchor stinkbug is a welcome sight because they feed mainly on the larvae of beetles and moths. It likes feeding on the larvae of the Mexican Bean Beetle as well as other pest species. However there are also reports that say that these bugs can turn to plants if their natural diet is not present so again, a consultation with an entomologist would be advantageous. If you're on an exotic food trip on the other hand, you might be interested to know that some cuisines actually make use of their strong stink to liven up their food such as Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine who both take advantage of the qualities of the malodorous stinkbug.
