Bug FAQJapanese common plataspid stinkbug
Megacopta punctatissima · Order: Hemiptera · Family: Plataspidae
Also called: Japanese common stinkbug
Source: Wikipedia
The Japanese common stinkbug feeds on soybean stems, lowering crop yields. It often enters homes, especially in autumn, and is attracted to white surfaces. When disturbed it releases an unpleasant smell and its liquid can cause a mild skin irritation.
Source: Wikipedia
How to recognize it
It is drawn to white walls and vehicles because its simple eyes detect high reflectance. The bug frequently comes indoors but does not harm houseplants or people.
Source: Wikipedia
Is it a pest in the house?
They are a major nuisance for residents.
Source: Wikipedia
Does it bite or sting?
Their defensive liquid can cause a burning sensation and a red welt on bare skin. Occasionally it leads to skin irritation.
Source: Wikipedia
How to get rid of it
Universities and companies in the southeastern US are studying alternative control strategies.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
It commonly enters houses and other structures. In autumn it gathers in large numbers inside buildings seeking shelter.
Source: Wikipedia
What it eats
It sucks juice from soybean stems, reducing crop yields.
Source: Wikipedia
Life cycle
Females lay particles containing a symbiont that newborn nymphs eat. Nymphs without the symbiont grow slower, stay smaller, and die more often.
Source: Wikipedia
When you see it
They seek shelter in houses during autumn. Disturbance triggers an unpleasant odor.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
Japanese populations likely originated from Kyushu, Japan.
Source: Wikipedia
Lookalikes
The name refers to Japanese populations of the bug also called M. cribraria. They were once considered separate species but are now regarded as the same.
Source: Wikipedia
More photos
Questions people ask
How can I keep them out of my house?
Reduce white, highly reflective surfaces and seal entry points, since they are attracted to white walls and vehicles.
Source: Wikipedia
Do they bite?
If handled, their defensive liquid can cause a mild burning sensation and a red welt on bare skin.
Source: Wikipedia
Why are they in my house in autumn?
They look for shelter in structures during the autumn season.
Source: Wikipedia
Same family (Plataspidae)
Sources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megacopta_cribraria
Look it up elsewhere: GBIF · iNaturalist · BugGuide · Wikipedia
Text written 2026-10-24 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-23.