The rice stink bug is shield-shaped insect about 38 inch long with a sharp spine on either side at the widest point on the body. The upper side of the adult is straw-brown while the underside is bright yellow. Heavy infestations of adults and nymphs, along with good conditions for disease infestation, may result in yield loss or increased peckiness in rice. This insect feeds on the seeds of many grass species, but it prefers barnyard grass. Populations generally develop in grassy areas before moving into rice.
Females lay masses of green, barrel-shaped eggs on rice blades.
Eggs hatch in five days and nymphs mature in about 18 days. Adults overwinter in leaf debris. Scout for rice stink bugs with a 15-inch diameter sweep net. Scouting should begin when 75 percent of the panicles have emerged and continue at weekly or biweekly intervals until harvest. Take several 10-sweep samples at random locations in the field.