For some reason, maybe it’s the blueberry bushes, we get a lot of stinkbugs in our yard. I don’t mind as I find them quite attractive. These are green stink bugs, but we have been visited by a couple of other varieties.
Here they are hatching back in 2004. Note the one hiding under the leaf which I have read is where they prefer to be.
A nymph on a leaf’s underside just the other day. This is probably the last instar before molting to full adult status…note the forming wings. I find the design and coloration to be quite attractive and enjoyable to view. Maybe it’s just me. 😉
Howdy!
I think it’s the “bug eyes” that get me. 🙂
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I assume they are balled into a size that fits the white egg cases. That is some packing job.
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If it were today, I would be checking them out every few hours to monitor their development, Jim. If you look in the upper right corner, you see one that is a bit more orange and smaller. also note the one lower center and another exiting an egg. Much smaller than the rest and obviously many were yet to leave the egg. I think that once out of the egg they start to grow quite quickly. How many avoided predators and survived I don’t know. But I am sure that there isn’t a whole lot of spare room when they finally hatch.
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Wow … nice. I’m really enjoying all of the recent insect images. You’re motivating me to get myself up to speed with LiveView and one of those black bed sheets! D
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I was worried about the lack of insects that I’ve seen this summer, David. But lately, as the summer nears its end, I am seeing more. I don’t know why because others have seen plenty…must be my karma.
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I just found a dove egg today, and was marveling that a bird could come out of something so small. As a matter of fact, it was almost exactly the size of a Dove Chocolate egg, though pure white.
Is it possible that adults are part of that group you’ve pictured? There’s quite an assortment of sizes. You’re right. You need to find another hatch and give us a minute-by minute account!
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The adults are almost entirely green, so none there Linda. I’ll do my best to find another, but that can’t happen until next Spring. It is amazing that they can fit inside those eggs. I couldn’t handle it….I need meds to get in an MRI tube. Equally amazing is the speed with which they grow larger. Of course, their life span is quite short compared to larger animals, so things have to happen at warp speed.
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I quite like the appearance of the last two. Do they stink? Is that why they have that moniker?
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I’ve managed to get several bug-eyed stinkers over the years, Rod. Cute as a bug, they are. 🙂
Yes, stinkbugs do give off a bad aroma as a defense mechanism by exuding a smelly compound on their abdomen. I’ve read that some can spray it as well.
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These are beauties Steve. The middle one is superb. Lucky you.
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Thanks, Andrew. I love the color combination these bugs have as nymphs. When adult and mostly green they are just another green bug.
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I have no use for stink bugs, especaily when they find their way into my house. They smell awful but then I suppose they are good for something… Nice macro shots, Steve.
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All creatures have a place in the cycle of life, but not necessarily in the house, Yvonne. 🙂
I usually usher them right out again.
Thanks.
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Nice photos, especially the last one!
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Thank you.
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Three cheers for clarity.
I’ve read about stinkbugs stinking but I’ve never experienced one smelling bad. I guess I should consider myself lucky.
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Yep, lucky. There’s worse, but their cologne is not pleasant.
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It’s the detail on the green tuxedo that I like on that late instar. Down to the buttons and the pintucks along the abdomen!
Every spring I watch wheelbugs hatch out of eggs around here. They’re in the same order, Hemiptera, as stink bugs and the eggs are rather similar in form. The lids that open, remaining hooked at one side, appeal to me…and I never can believe how much insect has been tucked into one of those little things after it’s maneuvered its way out.
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I’ve only seen wheel bugs in pictures, Cynthia. I’d love to see anything hatching, but these stink bugs are the only ones I’ve seen to date. No doubt their growth coincides with the lid popping off the containers..
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Stink bugs they may be, but there’s nothing stinky about your photographs – these are great. They are really beautiful bugs, what a shame that they smell!
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Hi Lottie!!!! 🙂 Thanks.
They only stink when threatened so I make them feel at home, a little soft music, some tea and we get along just great…and they pose for pictures. 😉
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Really exceptional photos…The detail you captured is amazing.
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Thanks, Charlie. It is something that I put an emphasis upon while shooting.
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I really like how you have captured those tiny eggs and nymphs!
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Thanks, Pete. That’s on one of our blueberry bushes which apparently are of favor with the stink bugs.
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