Rice Stink Bug vs Ground Pearl
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rice Stink Bug | Ground Pearl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oebalus pugnax | Margarodes vitis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Margarodidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 2-4 mm cyst |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Caves |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Rice Stink Bug
A slender, straw-colored stink bug that is the most damaging hemipteran pest of rice in the Americas. It feeds on developing rice grains, causing 'pecky rice' that is discolored and unmarketable.
Did You Know?
Feeding punctures allow fungi to enter developing rice grains, creating dark spots that cause entire harvests to be downgraded.
Ground Pearl
A subterranean scale insect whose encysted nymphs resemble tiny golden pearls.
Did You Know?
The pearl-like cysts have been used as beads in jewelry since ancient times.