Pest profile

Florida Predatory Stink Bug

Euthyrhynchus floridanus · Hemiptera: Pentatomidae[2]

Unlike most stink bugs, the Florida predatory stink bug hunts other insects, including plant-damaging bugs, beetles and caterpillars.[1]

Florida predatory stink bug, a shiny blue-black stink bug with orange markings, on a leaf
Florida predatory stink bug, a shiny blue-black stink bug with orange markings, on a leaf. (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Males are about 1/2 inch long and females 1/2 to 2/3 inch.[1]
  • Unlike plant-feeding stink bugs, it preys on bugs, beetles and caterpillars.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Plant-feeding stink bugsThis one preys on pests rather than plants.[1]

Where it lives

Mainly Neotropical, it ranges within the southeastern quarter of the United States.[1]

US map: public records from 16 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

It has been reared in the laboratory by several researchers.[1]

Damage and signs

  • It doesn't damage plants; its prey includes economically important pest species.[1]

Health risk

It's a predator of insects; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Biological control

Leave it alone; it seldom plays a major role in natural control but does eat pests.[1]

Common questions

What is the shiny blue and orange stink bug?
Possibly the Florida predatory stink bug, a pest predator.[1]
Is it harmful to plants?
No; it feeds on other insects.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Florida Predatory Stink Bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus (EENY-157).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN314 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Euthyrhynchus floridanus taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/119873 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.