Rice Stink Bug vs Planthopper Strepsipteran

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rice Stink Bug Planthopper Strepsipteran
Scientific Name Oebalus pugnax Halictophagus australensis
Order Hemiptera Strepsiptera
Family Pentatomidae Halictophagidae
Size 8-12 mm 1.0-2.0 mm (males)
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Seed Feeders Parasites
Regions North America, Central America Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Planthopper Strepsipteran

An Australian strepsipteran parasite of delphacid planthoppers. It alters the host's reproductive development and morphology.

💡

Did You Know?

Parasitized planthoppers develop intersex characteristics, with males growing female-like features and vice versa.