Natural solutions for dealing with green shield stink bug

While there are a number of documented predators of this insect the only ones I have actually seen in action are poultry and spiders.

A year or two back I introduced a juvenile bug to a small jumping spider who quickly pounced and commenced feeding. More recently some visiting students noticed a decent sized wolf spider (Lycosidae) lunching on an adult shield bug.

It's reassuring to witness the local ecosystem operating to maintain balance and equilibrium. As the population or one organism increases so does the opportunities for their predators. Knowing this it is essential that our gardens provide adequate and appropriate habitats for these various helpers. And while our tendency for binary, black and white thinking makes us quick to label species as friends or foe we should take a moment to contemplate that, just like humans, other organisms have multiple roles to play, giving and taking as they participate in the dance of life.

January 2021
So far this summer, which has been punctuated by many brief cool and rainy periods, we have seen very few of the green stink bug. Plenty of other flying insects around, including as small wasp I noticed exploring calendula seed clusters, a popular location for freshly hatched shield bugs.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Over the past few years we (and others out there) have been experiencing an explosion in the number of green shield / vegetable / stink bugs (Nezara viridula). We try and be accommodating to the various other creatures we share the world with, however these things are especially annoying with the damage they do to summer vegetables and fruit. In particular we find they enjoy tomatoes, beans and corn with lesser damage done to capsicums and fruit.
March 27, 2020
Olmec Sinclair

 Related

Tree Mallow

Common name   Lavatera arborea, Malva dendromorpha, bush mallow, Cornish tree mallow, lavatera, and velvet tree mallow
Botanical name   Malva arborea
Family   Malvaceae
Details   This robust biennial herb typically grows erect, featuring a solitary stem. Initially covered in fine hair during its youth, the stem matures to a hairless, woody texture at its base. Its large leaves, measuring up to 20cm in width, boast 5-7 lobes and a velvety texture.

The striking deep pink flowers, adorned with purple veins, bloom in clusters at the apex and along the upper segments of the stem, typically from August to May.

After flowering, the plant produces fruit capsules containing 6-8 seeds each, contributing to its propagation.

Native to regions encompassing North-western Africa such as northern Algeria and Tunisia, as well as the Azores, the Madeira Islands, the Canary Islands, and western and southern Europe, Tree mallow thrives in diverse climates.
Diameter   1.00
Forest layer   shrub
Height (m)   1-3 meters
Flowers   Pink
Drought tolerance  
Evergreen  
Shade / Sun   Full sun - part shade
Soil type   Most
Nezara viridula - Shield, stink or green vegetable bugs

Nezara viridula - Shield, stink or green vegetable bugs

Details   This insect is native to South Africa and is a pest of vegetables with a wide host range including tomatoes, runner beans, sweet corn, passion fruit and peaches.

Eggs are laid in flat clusters or grids like tiny honeycomb, generally on the undersides of leaves.

After hatching, baby bugs or nymphs pass through five colourful stages (instars) before maturing into fully green adults.

Mature insects can fly clumsily for short distances and often over winter in or around buildings and amongst dry cabbage tree leaves.

Adults like sheltering or sunning amongst the leaves of tree mellow, which offers an excellent opportunity to catch and destroy large numbers quickly, just squish between 2 leaves.
Pest