Photo by Jackman. Photo by Drees. Photo by Drees. Photo by Drees. Photo by Drees.
Immature stages vary in color from black for very small nymphs to green for larger nymphs.
However, the immature stages have a distinctive pattern of whitish spots on the abdominal segments. Nymphal stages are often found together in high numbers because eggs are laid in clusters that appear as rows of small barrels on and around suitable food sources. Development from egg to adult requires about 35 days, but varies with temperature. Up to five generations per year may occur with greater numbers appearing in the fall before adults overwinter. Most are plant feeding although a few, such as the spined shouldered stink bug are predaceous on other insects.