Identifying natural enemies - spined soldier bug

Identifying natural enemies

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Spined soldier bug* - Podisus maculiventris
Identifying natural enemies > true bugs > Spined soldier bug

Adults: Shield-shaped with prominent lateral spines on the pronotum. Pale brown to tan. Diagnostic feature is a distinctive dark line on the membranous tip of each forewing. Length 8-13 mm.	Eggs: Barrel-shaped and shiny. Often ornamented with spines. Laid in clusters.	Nymphs: Young nymphs are red and black. Older nymphs are marked with red, black, yellow-orange and cream bands and patches. Wingless and round rather than shield-shaped.
Diet: Immature bugs and caterpillars.
*Spined soldier bugs are one species of pentatomids, a group of insects sometimes referred to as stink bugs.

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This information was developed for the publication Identifying Natural Enemies in Field Crops by Mary Gardiner, Christina DiFonzo, Michael Brewer and Takuji Noma, MSU Extension bulletin E2949.

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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12/21/06