While walking a utility road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I spotted this vibrant insect clinging to a slender blade of grass. Known as the green stink bug, or Chinavia hilaris, this species is one of North America’s most recognizable true bugs.
Understanding the Green Stink Bug
The green stink bug is easily identified by its bright green body and shield-like shape. In fact, it’s often called the green shield bug due to this unique structure. What sets it apart even further are its distinctive banded antennae, which are clearly visible in this close-up image.
Why Do Stink Bugs Smell?
When threatened or handled, green stink bugs release a strong, unpleasant odor from glands on their abdomen. This natural defense mechanism helps ward off predators like birds or small mammals. It’s not dangerous to humans but definitely memorable.
In fact, predators do sometimes take the risk, check out this northern mockingbird going after a green stink bug in an incredible moment of bird-versus-bug!
Habitat and Diet
These bugs are common across Oklahoma and Arkansas, especially in gardens, wild vegetation, and crop fields. Green stink bugs feed by piercing plant tissues with their sharp mouthparts and drawing out sap. This feeding habit can sometimes damage crops, making them a concern for farmers.
Where You’ll Find Them
Whether you’re strolling through a wildlife refuge or inspecting your backyard tomatoes, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter one of these green visitors. Their camouflage works best among leaves, but their bright green color makes them stand out beautifully when photographed in the right light.
Final Thoughts
Photographing this insect at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge reminded me how much biodiversity hides in plain sight. The green stink bug may not be everyone’s favorite guest in the garden, but it’s a fascinating part of our local ecosystem.
Beautiful bug but horrific taste. I accidentally ate one once in some cooked fresh broccoli at home. I crunched down on him and the absolute worst taste invaded my mouth. I spit it out immediately and was off broccoli for about a year after that.
I can’t imagine how one of these bugs would taste!