Predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris

Predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris also called as a stink bug because they emit strong odor when disturbed. These predatory spined soldier bugs are considered as the most effective biological control agents because they can kill and feed on caterpillars, larvae and grubs of many insect pests (see below) that are responsible for causing a serious damage to many agricultural and horticultural, and ornamental plants. Adult soldier bugs are yellowish to brown in color with about 12 mm long and 7.5 mm wide shield shaped body. As name implies, they have two spines on each humeral angle. These bugs overwinter as adults under previous crop residues. Females of spined soldier bug generally lay over 25 loose egg masses on the upper surface of leaves and twigs. These eggs hatch within a week into small nymphs, which develop through five instars/stages and then become adults. All the five nymphal instars look alike with black colored head and thorax, and reddish colored abdomen. F