Harlequin Bug
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Harlequin bug (Murgantia histronica) nymphs are black, orange, and white, have a rounded convex appearance, and only short wing buds. The adults are orange and black stink bugs that are about 3/8 inch in size. The eggs are laid in clusters and resemble tiny white barrels with black bands with a black crescent on top. Adults overwinter in debris around the field. Harlequin bugs feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts giving leaves a tattered appearance.
Harlequin bug nymph
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Harlequin bug adult
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Timely destruction of plant residues at harvest can help to reduce their numbers.
- Row covers can be used to exclude them from young transplants.
- Generally stink bugs are more difficult to control with insecticides than other pest and types of sprays should be chosen carefully (See efficacy chart in back of ID-36).
