Predatory Stink Bug vs Cotton Stainer Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Predatory Stink Bug Cotton Stainer Bug
Scientific Name Eocanthecona furcellata Dysdercus suturellus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Pentatomidae Pyrrhocoridae
Size 12-16 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Predators Seed Feeders
Regions South and Southeast Asia, Australia North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Predatory Stink Bug

A medium-sized predatory shield bug used as a biological control agent in Asia and Australia. It feeds on caterpillars and other pest insects in cotton and vegetable crops. Adults are brown with an elongated head.

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Did You Know?

It is mass-reared in insectaries and released into cotton fields as a biological control agent against Helicoverpa bollworm, one of the world's worst crop pests.

Cotton Stainer Bug

A red and black bug that stains cotton bolls by introducing fungal spores while feeding.

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Did You Know?

Aggregations of hundreds gather on fallen cotton bolls and hibiscus seed pods.