Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara Viridula)

The life cycle of Nezara Viridula consists of 3 stages. The first stage is the egg stage. In this stage, the female insect lays its eggs in clusters on the leaves. The eggs are transparent beige in the first stage and turn red due to the color change in the embryo close to hatching. The second stage is the nymph stage. Nymphs emerge with the hatching of the eggs. Although nymphs resemble adults in general appearance, they are distinguished by some distinct differences. The most important differences are the absence of ocelli on their heads, their antennae having 4 segments, and their tarsi consisting of 2 segments. Additionally, their body structures are smaller and their wings are either not developed at all or only in bud form. Each nymph stage has a body structure decorated with unique patterns, which is another feature that distinguishes them from adult individuals. Nymphs feed by sucking sap from the leaves, stems, and fruit parts of plants. The insects, which pass through five nymph stages, become adults at the end of this process. The insects that become adults are generally green in color and 13-15 mm in length.