Diet

• Adults and nymphs: Primarily plant-feeding, but Proxys punctulatus is unusual among many stink bugs because it can also behave as an opportunistic predator, feeding on insect larvae.

• It is polyphagous and has been recorded feeding on cotton, soybean, citrus, blackberry and spiderwort, among other plants.

Range

• Proxys punctulatus is a stink bug (Family Pentatomidae) in the Subfamily Pentatominae and Tribe Carpocorini.

• It has a broad distribution throughout the Americas, occurring from the eastern and southern United States through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean into South America.

• Around Zihua, it would likely be considered occasional, particularly in warm, open habitats, agricultural areas and locations with suitable host plants. Its documented presence in Guerrero places the Zihua region within its known Mexican range.

Habitat

• Occurs in woodland, tropical and subtropical vegetation, agricultural fields, gardens, orchards, scrub and disturbed areas.

• It is frequently associated with cultivated plants, including cotton, soybean and citrus, but can also occur on wild vegetation.

• Around Zihua, look for it on shrubs, crops and other broad-leaved plants, particularly in open areas, gardens, agricultural land and vegetation bordering woodland.

• Because it can feed on both plants and insect larvae, it may occur in places where flowering plants and potential insect prey are abundant.

Size

• Adults are approximately 11–13 mm long.

• The body is predominantly dark brown to black, giving the species its common name, Black Stink Bug.

• A distinctive yellow spot occurs at the tip of the scutellum, contrasting strongly with the otherwise dark body.