They are members of the stink bug family. They are about half an inch long, flattish, wide and shaped like a shield. They have bright red and black markings. Very pretty bug.
In warm areas, they feed and mate through the winters. In colder areas, they hibernate in plant debris. They lay eggs in double rows on the underside of leaves. The south usually gets hit pretty hard by this pest.
The bug is active during the day. The adults and nymphs (smaller rounder baby ones) both suck the juices from leaves. Light color blotches on leaves are evidence of their existence in your garden. Usually you can see the pest itself as they aren't hard to miss.
Are they good or bad?
They are definitely a bad guy. Plants will droop and wilt and eventually die.
In order to control this beauty, inspect daily. Handpick. Crush eggs. Keep your garden free of plant debris so as not to harbor wintering pests. Encourage predator insects such as assassin bugs, spined soldier bugs and stink bugs. To attract predators, plant flowering perennials for consistent hideaways and annuals for seasonal hangouts. Also, buy varieties that are resistant to the pest damage.
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