Growing problems with stink bugs in the Neotropics and potential species to invade the US

Among the over 4,000 described species of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) several phytophagous ones are major pests, feeding and damaging crops, vegetables and fruit trees. Due to the increasing trade among countries, the risk of species to invade new areas is growing. Potential stink bug species from the neotropics (= Neotropical Region) have already invaded and established in the US, such as the red-banded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood). Other potential pest species of stink bugs to invade the US include the following: Edessa meditabunda (F.) pest of tomato, potato, soybean and alfalfa; the neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), pest of soybean and cotton; Dichelops furcatus (F.) and D. melacanthus (Dallas), pests of soybean, corn and wheat; and the stem rice stink bug, Tibraca limbativentris Stal, pest of rice. These species will be presented, and their potential as invasive species to the US will be discussed.