The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a pest that has the ability to emit an odour through holes in its thorax as a defence mechanism evolved to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. Simply handling the bug, injuring it, or attempting to move it can trigger it to release the odour – and its body fluids are toxic and irritating to the human skin and eyes. An insect in the family Pentatomidae, it is native to China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian regions. It is now established in many parts of North America, and has recently become established in Europe and South America. The nymphs and adults feed on over 100 species of plants, including many agricultural crops.
