The Great Stink Bug Challenge

A Citizen Science Project

Murgantia histrionica

Murgantia histrionica

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are insect herbivores that feed on hundreds of plant species creating economic damage in fruits, vegetables, field crops and landscape ornamentals.

Chinavia hilaris

Chinavia hilaris

The Challenge

The Great Stink Bug Challenge is utilizing citizen science to record which stink bug species respond to the aggregation pheromones.  The data collected in this challenge will support a study that aims to estimate stink bug population densities in field crops using the traps and pheromones.

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Participate

Participants set out sticky traps baited with stink bug pheromone lures. They then identify and record the stink bug species that are captured each week.

“It is such an incredible opportunity to participate in a college level research project tied to my 4-H entomology project. I’m learning a lot of how field research really works, contributing to science and having fun.”
- Jake B., Citizen Scientist

Do you want to know about the next challenge?

FAQ

Click here for answers regarding glue traps, length of the challenge and more!

The Team

  • Kevin Rice

    Kevin is an assistant professor in Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on sustainable management of invasive insects.

  • Joan Hickman

    Joan is a retired 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Northwest Missouri and has been a volunteer entomology project leader for the last 8 years.

  • Kelsey Benthall

    Kelsey is a PhD student at the University of Missouri. She is researching environmentally friendly management strategies in crop fields for invasive species, such as the Japanese beetle and fall armyworm.

  • Danielle Kirkpatrick

    Danielle is an entomologist and the Global Technical Support Coordinator at Trécé, Inc. Her job focuses on research and development for pheromones and kairomone based monitoring systems for global insect pests.