Kenya Natural History Guide >>> Insects >>> True Bugs, Aphids, Leaf Hoppers, Scales and Cicadas >>> Agonoscelis Stink Bug

Long-nosed Stink Bug

Agonoscelis longirostris

an adult stink bug, possibly Agonoscelis longirostris, Eldoret, Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

An adult stink bug is flanked by a small nymph, an immature of the same species. Found on Lion's Ear (Lamiaceae) at Eldoret, Kenya. December 2012.

Many stink bug species are roughly the shape of a pentagonal shield in outline. This one is a bit elongated from the more common, compact shape. It also has an elongated frons (front of head about where a nose would be). All stink bugs have well developed piercing-sucking mouthparts and most use these to feed inside developing seeds or buds. This species appears to favor plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Glands on each side of the thorax can produce foul smelling compounds which serve to defend against insect predators such as birds or lizards.

Pentatomidea -- Stink Bug Family

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Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 2 March 2013,
updated 02 Jan. 2022.