Fauna
Insect

Twice-stabbed Stink Bug

Cosmopepla lintneriana

Also known as Two-spotted Stink Bug, Lintner's Stink Bug, Two-stabbed Stink Bug

Twice-stabbed stink bugs are small, boldly patterned true bugs recognized by dark shield-shaped bodies punctuated by vivid red or orange spots at the scutellum tip and a red stripe across the shoulders. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices, frequenting a wide range of garden flora including mint, goldenrod, and echinacea. When alarmed, these bugs release a pungent defensive fluid from thorax glands to deter predators.

InvertebrateShield BugColorful
Twice-stabbed Stink Bug reference1 / 7
(c) Reiner Jakubowski, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Reiner Jakubowski · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPlant sap, Flower nectar, Developing seeds
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Predatory stink bugs
ThreatsPesticide application and widespread habitat destruction
HabitatsFields, meadows, gardens, roadsides, and agricultural areas
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderHemiptera
  2. FamilyPentatomidae
  3. GenusCosmopepla
  4. SpeciesCosmopepla lintneriana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Search host plants like mint and goldenrod on warm, sunny afternoons.
  • Handling: Avoid rough handling, as they emit a strong odor when stressed.
  • Approach: Move gently to take photos, since they quickly dodge beneath leaves when alarmed.
Related species
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