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BeneficialBrown marmorated stink bug

Wheel bug for brown marmorated stink bug

Arilus cristatus · wild predator
Against brown marmorated stink bug

WSU Tree Fruit reports that large predators, including wheel bugs and praying mantids, have been seen feeding on brown marmorated stink bug nymphs and adults. WSU gives no figures for how much they reduce stink bug numbers, so count a wheel bug as a bonus rather than a control. The natural enemy researchers pin their hopes on is the samurai wasp, an egg parasitoid that StopBMSB says destroys 60–90% of the stink bug's eggs in Asia.

RateWild — conserve; not sold
TimingMidsummer to autumn, when wheel bug adults are about
macro · wheel bug on brown marmorated stink bug
The pestBrown marmorated stink bugHalyomorpha halysSunken white or yellow blotches on tomato and pepper, scarred and misshapen fruit; crowds in the house every autumnFull pest profile →

Before you act

The largest assassin bug in North America, up to 1½ inches long, and easy to recognise by the toothed crest like half a cogwheel on its back. It takes prey as big as Japanese beetles and stink bugs. It is not aggressive, but its bite is painful for several minutes, so admire it without picking it up. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Wheel bug profile.

Other controls for brown marmorated stink bug

  • Praying mantisWild generalist predator · Wild — conserve
  • Samurai waspWild egg parasitoid (not sold) · Wild — conserve; not for release (not sold; interstate movement restricted)

Wheel bug against other pests