Harlequin Bug

insect

Murgantia histrionica

Black and orange/red stink bug that feeds on brassica crops. Major pest in southern US.

Identification

3/8 inch flat, shield-shaped bug with bold black and red/orange pattern. Barrel-shaped eggs in rows of 12.

White stippling on leaves from piercing-sucking feeding. Wilting. Stunted growth. Plants may die.

Hand-pick adults and crush eggs. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Trap crop with early mustard.

Permethrin. Carbaryl.

Fall cleanup of brassica debris. Trap cropping with mustard or turnips. Remove wild brassica weeds.

Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm