Indian Stink Bug vs Swede Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Stink Bug Swede Midge
Scientific Name Bagrada hilaris Contarinia nasturtii
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Pentatomidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 5-7 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Gall Makers
Regions South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Stink Bug

A small, shield-shaped bug with a distinctive black and orange pattern. It is a serious pest of cruciferous crops, particularly mustard, and releases a pungent defensive odor when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

This pest has become invasive in the United States and is now established in California, where it damages organic vegetable crops.

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.