Clown stink bug
This shield bug's brilliant golden green and copper red pattern warns predators of a strong smelling spray released from glands on its body and legs.
| Where | Woodland and forest edges in East Asia |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 to 20 mm body length |
| When | April to November |
This is a broad, rounded shield bug with a brilliant golden green metallic sheen crossed by copper red stripes and spots on the back; nymphs look completely different, with white bodies marked in black.
Adults and nymphs feed on the sap of woody plants such as dogwood and ash, and when threatened they release a strong smelling defense secretion from glands on the body, a deterrent used across its range through East Asia and, in recent decades, into the Russian Far East.
Traits
Habitat
Woodland
Colour
Green, Red, Metallic
Active
Day
To people
Releases a strong smelling defense secretion when handled; does not bite or sting.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Metallic blue, green or purple overall, without this species' copper red stripes and spots.
Questions
Is the Clown stink bug dangerous to people?
Releases a strong smelling defense secretion when handled; does not bite or sting.
When can you see the Clown stink bug?
The Clown stink bug can be seen from April to November, by day.
Plate retouched from a photo by りなべる, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist Licence
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True bugs›Jewel bugs›Poecilocoris
Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.