insect identification
Posted by Julian Adams on June 3, 2008
Q: John Wiessinger,
I have picture of a bug I'd like to know if you recognize. It was congregating on my princess persimmon. If you'll send me your e-mail address I'll send a small picture directlly to you.
thanks,
Julian Adams
jra@adamsbonsai.com
State: Virginia
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A: Nice to hear from you Julian. Looking at the photos, the insects are almost certainly immature (nymphs) stink bugs. I tried looking up the exact species but didn't get very far. I do have a family that seems close, but not certain. I'm guessing that your animals are members of the family Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs). My first thought was that it might be the Harlequin Bug, a major pest in North America now, but their nymphs are very dark and not like your photos. In any case, these bugs are using their piercing mouthparts to suck juice from your Persimmon so you'll want to eliminate. You should be able to just pick off the insects rather than spray. This family of bugs lay eggs that are rather distinctive - their eggs are laid in clusters that look like a series of tiny barrels all lined up in a group on a branch. Sure hope this helps. Sorry I can't nail the exact species on this for you.
John Wiessinger ( June 4, 2008)