These pests feed on developing seeds and lint, causing shedding of young bolls, yellowing of lint, and reduction in harvestable locks. Internal evidence of stink bug damage takes the form of a watery or blisterlike, wart.
External evidence is somewhat more confusing.
It has been reported by some investigators to be small, purple spots on a green boll. Others have reported that damage was not visible at all externally. Another sign of feeding produced by these sucking insects that is not often mentioned is the presence of the stylet sheath. This sheath, formed during feeding, surrounds the mouthparts of the bug and creates a canal through which digestive enzymes are passed from the bug to the plant tissue. The tissue is then liquified and imbibed by the insect.