Harmful Asian Stink Bug Turns Up In Cedar Rapids

The Associated Press

A brown marmorated stink bug. Note the banded antennae and the alternating light and dark areas on top of abdomen. (Photo/D. Shetlar, Ohio State University Extension Entomology)

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By Jason Kristufek

Story Created: Mar 7, 2011 at 12:22 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2011 at 12:22 PM CDT

AMES, Iowa (AP) — An Asian insect pest has found its way to Iowa.

State officials say a brown marmorated stink bug showed up dead in Cedar Rapids. Its type was confirmed by the Iowa State University Extension Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.

The Tribune in Ames says only one was found. Officials want to find out whether there are more in Cedar Rapids or whether they've established a breeding population anywhere in Iowa.

Iowa State insect expert Laura Jesse says the stink bugs are considered destructive pests in their native habitat in China and Japan. The bugs damage fruit, vegetable and grain crops, shade trees and ornamental plants.

In North America, they were first detected in 2001 in Pennsylvania.

They're about five-eighths of an inch long, are mottled brownish-gray and have shield-shaped bodies.

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