"Jeez Ben ...

December 10, 2020

"Jeez Ben," you are perhaps saying, "I clearly remember that you did a post about brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) back during the summer. Why are you doing a second one? Don't we have to see them enough?"

While I understand that outlook completely, I am here to tell you that this is NOT a brown marmorated stink bug! This is Brochymena quadripustulata, also known as the four-humped stink bug or rough stink bug! This is an incredibly widespread species and can be found not only in North America, but also in Central America and Africa.

Like most stink bugs, this species uses its piercing mouthparts to suck the juices from plants. Its gray coloration and pattern allow it to blend in easily with tree bark, thereby helping camouflage it from predators.

But the main lesson of the four-humped stink bug is this: be really careful what you're stepping on, because sometimes our native critters can look a whole lot like invasive critters, and it's never fun to get lumped in with a bad crowd! #BenInNature

ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends.

NEW: TRIVIA CHALLENGE
You've seen the posts. You've learned the facts. Now, it's time to prove you are a #BenInNature Mega Fan! The museum's education team has developed the #BenInNature Trivia Challenge to identify the most devoted fans out there! Everyone who successfully answers each trivia question correctly will be congratulated by having your own nature selfie posted to the museum's #BenInNature Mega Fan Photo Album on the official VMNH Facebook page! Learn more and download the trivia challenge today by visiting www.vmnh.net/research-collections/beninnature-trivia-challenge.

NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!