Several weeks ago, I found an exoskeleton whose former owner I couldn't identify, so I set the photos aside. Yesterday I re-examined them and, since by now I have a greater knowledge of insects, the identity wasn't such a mystery anymore: to all appearances it looked like the shell of a stink bug! So I researched the matter and soon found the answer: stink bugs are nymphs before they become adults, and this was the discarded shell of a Green Stink Bug (probably
Chinavia hilaris). The nymph had shed it and emerged as a later instar or an adult. Now, I've yet to spot an adult Green Stink Bug, but now that I know our yard is home to them, I'll be on the lookout from now on. The only problem is, a green-colored stink bug is much harder to discern than a brown one because it blends in with the leaves.
Remember that a shed exoskeleton is inside-out and nymphs are wingless. I'm thinking this specimen was at least a 4th instar, meaning it would have become a 5th, or it could have been a 5th and become an adult.
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4th instar. Taken by Herb Pilcher, USDA-ARS, Bugwood.org
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/green_stink_bug10.htm |
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5th instar. Taken by Herb Pilcher, USDA-ARS, Bugwood.org
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/green_stink_bug11.htm |
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| This is where I found the shell. |
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| The head is at the top. |
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| A good view of the head, eyes, and antennae. |
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| Another good shot of the head, eyes, and antennae. |
References:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/9066
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/green_stink_bug.htm
http://www.americaninsects.net/ht/chinavia-hilaris.html
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