Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula)

The southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) has one of the widest host ranges of any insect pest. Not surprisingly then, it is occasionally a pest of rice. Even though the problem is sporadic, when southern green stink bugs feed on rice, they can cause significant damage. Usually it is first noticed as dead or dying leaves on isolated plants or groups of plants. The damage caused by southern green stink bugs feeding on rice may be confined to an area as small as 3 feet in diameter to several acres in size. Damaged areas are usually localized in a field rather than uniform throughout. Stunted plants, killed growing points and dead leaves are all signs of stink bug injury.