Insect and Spider Identification: CLOSED: Need help identifying a "shield" type bug in Virginia..., 1 by ecoberryfarm

ecoberryfarm wrote:
Hello all,

I've attempted to take pictures but my camera will not zoom in close enough. I've been trying to track down the name of a red and black "shield" bug that has been taking over a few of my plants. The bug is roughly 1/16" large has a black body that forms the shape of a shield. There are 2 red dots on its back and some red on its side. The tail end is very light almost a tan color. These bugs started taking over my potatoes last year. This year I didn't plant potatoes but they have all but covered my mullein and phacelia plants. When squished they emit an odor similar to a stink bug. I live in central Virginia..