Found this bug on my Cosmos petal this AM. It green with sort of stripes on bottom 1/3 of his body. Pretty large as you can see. Wish picture was a tad clearer. I need to get rid of it if not benefical. Strange to be resting on petal.....no damage YET to flower that I can see?
Thoughts? Thanks :)
This is a nymph of a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, such as the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) - see http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4445553-lg.jpg
Thank you for response, Suunto! :) So, is it harmful to my plant(s) or leave it alone?
Southern green stink bugs have a very large host range, but appear to be most damaging to fruit crops, including soft fruits such as blackberries. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/bean/southern_green_stink_bug.htm for detailed information on this species.
Thank you again, Suunto, for the interesting read! Yes, I read it all :) I checked this morning. It was gone. Since the foliage of the Cosmos flower is lacy and I have only one potted plant, I could easily see my little friend nowhere.
Have a great weekend!
Cissy
