About 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.
Did You Know?
This pest has become invasive in the United States and is now established in California, where it damages organic vegetable crops.
How to Identify Indian Stink Bug
Indian Stink Bug (Bagrada hilaris) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Pentatomidae. Adults typically measure 5-7 mm.
Indian Stink Bug Habitat
Indian Stink Bug is found in farmland habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Indian Stink Bug Diet and Feeding
Indian Stink Bug feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Indian Stink Bug Found?
Indian Stink Bug can be found in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh), where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Indian Stink Bug can be found
Is Indian Stink Bug Dangerous?
Indian Stink Bug is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Indian Stink Bug Role in Nature
Indian Stink Bug is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Stink Bug
What does Indian Stink Bug look like?
The Indian Stink Bug typically measures 5-7 mm.
Where is Indian Stink Bug found?
The Indian Stink Bug is found in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Indian Stink Bug eat?
The Indian Stink Bug feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Indian Stink Bug dangerous to humans?
The Indian Stink Bug is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Indian Stink Bug?
This pest has become invasive in the United States and is now established in California, where it damages organic vegetable crops.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Indian Stink Bug (Bagrada hilaris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-stink-bug
MLA:
"Indian Stink Bug." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-stink-bug.