Bronze Stink Bug

Source
Adult Bronze Stink Bug

Bronze Stink bug nymph

Recently we looked out at our mandarin tree and saw that it was covered in little red-orange bugs! I was 'commissioned' by my mother to investigate further, and discovered that these bugs were, in fact, Bronze Orange Bugs, AKA Bronze Stink Bugs. I also found out that these bugs can badly damage citrus trees, so we are currently searching for a humane method of removing them. :)


Looks/Description:

Bronze stink bugs go through several colourful phases before they reach the adult appearance: large, a deep bronze in colour, with a dark triangular plate on their backs.

(See Breeding for more information) When approached they will spray out a strong-smelling liquid to deter predators, for example the Pristhesancus plagipennis, or the Australian Common Assassin bug.

 

Newborn Bronze Stink bug

     Feeding:

   These critters suck the sap of citrus trees for nourishment. Often, many bugs of different age stages can be found on the same tree. The leaves of the victim tree become brown and wilted after they have been infested.

    Breeding:

   After the two stink bugs have mated the female lays a   clutch of translucent greenish eggs on a leaf or twig. After about two weeks the eggs hatch, which may take approximately 3-4 days. After they have hatched, the newborns climb onto their mother’s back and are carried around by their loving parent;another species of stinkbug has been known to stand over her clutch and protect them with her body.

When they are young the bugs are pale, striking green, but as they grow older they get darker, turn orange, then finally transform into the dark brown-bronze for which they are known.

Habitat:

Citrus trees. They are known to be very slow-moving, and often stay in the same spot for days on end.