Bugs That Look Like Stink Bugs (But Aren’t)

Stink bugs are a common pest across many parts of the United States. With their distinct shield-shaped bodies and foul odor, they can be easily identified. However, there are many other insects that resemble stink bugs in color, shape, and size. Telling these lookalikes apart takes a keen eye.

In this article, we will explore 12 bugs that are often mistaken for stink bugs, but aren’t. Learning to properly identify stink bugs is key to effective pest management. Misidentification can lead to wasted effort and continued infestations. Let’s take a close look at stink bug doppelgangers so you can separate the true bugs from the faux.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Before diving into stink bug lookalikes, let’s review some key facts about real stink bugs. Stink bugs belong to the family Pentatomidae. There are over 200 species just in America. Most are native to Asia introduced to North America through accidental import.

The name “stink bug” comes from their ability to emit a foul, cilantro-like odor when disturbed or crushed. This scent is used to deter predators. Stink bugs feed on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds by piercing the tissue and sucking juices. They can be a significant agricultural pest.

In terms of appearance, stink bugs are generally oval-shaped with a flattened back. Their size ranges from 12 to 17 mm. Coloring is often brown or green with lighter bands on the antennae. Nymphs are more rounded in shape. Identifying features include five-segmented antennae and a downward-pointing proboscis.

Stink Bug Lookalikes

Now that we know what real stink bugs look like let’s go through 12 insects commonly mistaken for them

1. Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs belong to the family Reduviidae. They have a similar shape to stink bugs with flattened, oval bodies reaching 12 to 15 mm long. Coloring is brown or black with yellow, orange, or reddish bands along the edges.

However, kissing bugs can be distinguished by their curving proboscis which sticks out forwards rather than down. Their antennae also have three segments rather than five. Kissing bugs get their name from biting near people’s mouths.

2. Assassin Bugs

Assassin bugs are aptly named predators with sucking mouthparts used to feed on other insects and pests. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, but several genera resemble stink bugs.

For example, wheel bugs and masked hunters have rounded, flattened bodies and long “noses”. But they can be identified by their longer, thinner legs and curving proboscis. Assassin bugs also lack the signature stink bug odor.

3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches have elongate, flattened bodies giving them a profile similar to stink bugs. Their coloring ranges from brown to black. Smaller species may reach 10 to 15 mm, rivaling some stink bugs.

However, roaches have long antennae versus the stubby ones on stink bugs. They also have wings that lay flat over their backs. And of course, that unmistakable lightning-fast skittering!

4. Seed Bugs

Seed bugs refer to certain species in the families Lygaeidae, Largidae, and Pyrrhocoridae. They have rounded, flattened bodies and often a brown or gray coloration mimicking stink bugs. However, on close inspection seed bugs have a more tapering “leaf-shaped” outline.

And instead of feeding on fruits or vegetables, they use their piercing mouthparts to feed on seeds and grains. Definitely a case of looks being deceiving!

5. Damsel Bugs

Damsel bugs are common beneficial predators feeding on soft-bodied insects like aphids. They are roughly the size of stink bugs at 5 to 15 mm long. Their color patterns can also be similar with gray, brown, or black bodies and pale bands or spots.

But damsel bugs have very long raptorial front legs used for grasping prey. Their eyes also bulge out noticeably compared to the flat heads of stink bugs. And instead of a downward proboscis, damsels have a curving beak.

6. Plant Bugs

There are thousands of different species of plant bugs, but some do resemble stink bugs. In particular, species in the genus Adelphocoris have oval, flattened bodies and brown coloring with white spots or stripes. They reach 6 to 10 mm long.

However, on close inspection plant bugs have a more elongated, narrow look versus stink bugs’ consistent width. And they entirely lack any sort of scent glands or odor used for defense.

7. Giant Water Bugs

Despite their aquatic lifestyle, giant water bugs have a profile similar to stink bugs. Species in the genus Lethocerus are large insects reaching 45 mm. They have flattened, oval bodies colored brown or black.

However, giant water bugs have a thicker appearance and larger hind legs used for swimming. Their large front legs are also modified into pincers for grasping prey. Of course, their habitat preferences give them away as well.

8. Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are a tree-dwelling species sometimes found invading homes. Nymphs and adults reach 10 to 12 mm in length. Coloring consists of blacks and reds. Their shape resembles stink bugs with an oval profile.

However, boxelder bugs have more vibrant coloring versus the solid browns of stink bugs. They also have distinct reddish lines behind the head. And instead of powerful piercing mouthparts, boxelders have small straw-like sucking proboscis.

9. Squash Bugs

Squash bugs are major cucurbit crop pests across America feeding on plants like squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers. Adults reach 12 to 15 mm in a similar size range as stink bugs. Their flattened shape and brown coloring adds to the resemblance.

However, squash bugs have a more rounded, less elongate profile compared to shield-shaped stink bugs. They also give off a characteristic foul, dusty smell when crushed which stink bugs lack.

10. Cinnamon Bugs

Cinnamon bugs in the genus Melanolestes are small, brown stink bug lookalikes reaching only 5 to 7 mm in length. As their name suggests, they give off a sweet cinnamon smell when disturbed. They have compact oval bodies.

However, cinnamon bugs’ small size helps distinguish them from larger stink bugs. They also have a more humped, rounded profile versus the flat stink bug shape. Their distinct pleasant odor is another giveaway.

11. Spider Beetles

Spider beetles belong to the family Ptinidae. While not true bugs, some species mimic stink bugs reasonably well. The brown spider beetle reaches 5 to 7 mm with a rounded, shield-like profile. Coloring consists of mixed browns and yellows.

However, beetles can be distinguished from stink bugs by their six legs rather than six legs + two antennae. Spider beetles also have enlarged palps by their mouthparts. And of course, beetles have hard wing covers rather than leathery bug wings.

12. Stink Bug Nymphs

Lastly, stink bug nymphs themselves are sometimes mistaken for other insects! Newly hatched nymphs have a completely different shape from adults, appearing more round and pillbug-like. Their colors are also brighter greens and oranges versus adult browns.

However, the presence of antennae and downward-facing mouthparts identify them as baby stink bugs. And of course, thetell-tale stink bug scent becomes apparent with age! Nymphs also progress through five molts taking on the more familiar shield profile.

Stink bugs may have their imitators, but with careful examination they stand apart from other household pests. Getting an ID right means implementing proper control and exclusion methods. Now that you know what imposter bugs to watch for, you can inspect with confidence.

Familiarizing yourself with stink bugs’ distinct antennae, proboscis, odor, and shape is key. Taking a close-up photo on your phone is also a good way to compare and contrast details. And if all else fails, the stinky smell test can confirm you have the real McCoy!

What other lookalike bugs have you encountered? Let us know in the comments. And check back as we profile more pesky imposter insects that try to fool even the sharpest eyes.