Anchor Stink Bug (Stiretrus anchorago) nymphs
CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Anchor Stink Bug (Stiretrus anchorago) nymphs
Early Instar
A predatory stink bug. Beneficial. markings and color can be highly variable.
This little guy after scouring the leaves, and stems for aphids and beetle eggs, managed to grab an adult leaf beetle but dropped it since it was a bit larger than him (her?). Definitely good biocontrol
“feeds on the larvae of beetles, butterflies, and moths, incl. many pest spp. (notably Mexican Bean Beetle and Japanese Beetle)” source: Bugguide.net
Learn: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/stiretrus_anchorago.htm
Learn more: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Stiretrus_anchorago/
Shown on Florida Native Plant: PINEBARREN GOLDENROD (Solidago fistulosa)
My take: It Just Stinks… or Does It?
Near Adult
Links to photos of adults:
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Central Florida Critter of the Day 