Which family is commonly known as stink bugs?

Which family is commonly known as stink bugs?

• A. Coreidae
• B. Miridae
• C. Tingidae
• D. Pentatomidae

Answer: (D)

Stink bugs earn their name from a defensive odor produced by specialized scent glands when they’re disturbed. This chemical defense is a hallmark of the Pentatomidae, the shield-shaped true bugs that are most commonly called stink bugs. They’re recognizable by their broad, shield-like bodies and the distinctive triangular area on the back (the scutellum), though the smell is what people most notice. The other families are different kinds of bugs: Coreidae are leaf-footed bugs with often expanded hind legs, Miridae are smaller plant bugs, and Tingidae are lace bugs with delicate, reticulated wings. So, the family commonly known as stink bugs is Pentatomidae.

Stink bugs earn their name from a defensive odor produced by specialized scent glands when they’re disturbed. This chemical defense is a hallmark of the Pentatomidae, the shield-shaped true bugs that are most commonly called stink bugs. They’re recognizable by their broad, shield-like bodies and the distinctive triangular area on the back (the scutellum), though the smell is what people most notice. The other families are different kinds of bugs: Coreidae are leaf-footed bugs with often expanded hind legs, Miridae are smaller plant bugs, and Tingidae are lace bugs with delicate, reticulated wings. So, the family commonly known as stink bugs is Pentatomidae.