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Why do stink bugs smell so bad?

The most prominent physical feature of the stink bug is its feet. Its hind feet are particularly developed, especially the flat blade shape at the base of the tibia, which is the most important identifying feature of the stink bug species. There are many yellow spots on the ventral surface of the stink bug's body. The front half of the upper wings are leathery, and the membranous parts overlap on the ventral and dorsal sides to form a three-cone shape. It has a well-developed piercing and sucking mouthparts.

Terrestrial stink bugs have well-developed short whip-like antennae; aquatic stink bugs mostly have sickle-shaped front feet; and amphibious stink bugs are characterized by particularly slender middle and hind legs, which look a bit like a spider at first glance. The eggs of stink bugs are cylindrical with a cover on top. The eggs are usually laid neatly on the leaves.

Several generations of stink bugs can occur in a year, and their eggs spend the winter in the branches or bark of plants such as broad beans, peas, castor and hibiscus. In March and April of next year, when the average temperature is above 10°C and the relative humidity is around 70, the eggs will begin to hatch. The larvae live on trees, which is undoubtedly a serious hazard to newly sprouted trees. After late May, as the temperature gradually rises, the insects begin to slowly decrease.

The second to fourth generations of reproduction appear in early June, mid-July and mid-August respectively. Each adult insect has a lifespan of 30 to 50 days. The adult insect has a strong ability to fly. It lurks during the day and will quickly escape if it is slightly frightened, so it is not easy to be discovered. Adults often crawl to the buds to feed in the early morning and night.

Stink bugs are notorious, but not only because of their stink, but also because more than 90% of them are pests that harm crops, vegetables, fruit trees and forests. So why are stink bugs so smelly? This is because stink bugs have special odor glands on their bodies. The opening of the odor gland is in the thorax, located on the ventral surface of the metathorax, close to the base of the midfoot. When a stink bug is disturbed, the stink glands in its body can secrete volatile stink acid. The stink acid diffuses into the air through the stink gland pores, making the surrounding smell inaudible, so that enemies can smell the stink and avoid it. If you dare to invade, you will take the opportunity to escape. But the stink bombs of stink bugs are not offensive weapons. They are just smoke used for self-defense and to resist enemies. This is the result of their long-term evolution to adapt to the natural environment.