Plant and Food Research are currently conducting research on the potential to use a parasitic wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) as a biocontrol option should a population of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) be detected in New Zealand. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an awful pest overseas and can have big impacts on crops like grapes. It's something we definitely do not want establishing in NZ, and yet border biosecurity officers have detected this species multiple times at NZ's borders. If we don't act, it's likely only a matter of time before it establishes here.

A population of the BMSB-specialist wasp would be released and seek out and parasitise BMSB eggs reducing population pressure. In combination with chemical control this would maximise the chances of eradicating BMSB before it became problematic.  To enable the import of T. japonicus it is important to understand its potential impact on New Zealand’s current shield bug populations. Plant & Food Research need a supply of shield bugs to test whether T. japonicus parasitises them as well as BMSB. You can help!

Please keep a close look out for either of the following bugs.

Brown Shield Bug (Dictyotus caenosus) (Observed by lek November 23, 2016)

Schellenberg's Soldier Bug (Oechalia schellenbergii) (Observed by epitree October 9, 2015)

They might be confused with the brown soldier bug (also called the glossy shield bug), which we don’t need. If you can’t tell the difference then we’re happy to add them to our colony.

Brown Soldier Bug (Cermatulus nasalis) (Observed by epitree February 14, 2015)

If any are found can you please contact Sophie at Sophie.hunt@plantandfood.co.nz. She'd be very grateful for your help.

If you do find any Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (we really hope you don’t!), be sure to report them ASAP.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) (Observed by claggy September 23, 2016 in USA)

Please, catch it, snap it, report it – call the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) at 0800 80 9966, put it in a self-sealing bag pop it in the freezer. If you're not sure, please call MPI anyway and you can add a photo to NatureWatch NZ to check the ID.