Stink bugs, often recognized by their distinctive shield-shaped bodies and the unpleasant odor they release, are common insects found across various environments. These creatures frequently find their way into homes, especially as seasons change. Understanding the nuances of their presence extends beyond their smell and appearance to include the noises they might make.
The Truth About Their Sounds
Stink bugs do produce sounds, although it is not a typical “buzz” akin to a bee or a fly. The noise often associated with them is a loud buzzing sound that occurs when they are in flight. This sound can be quite noticeable and may even be alarming to homeowners, sometimes described as resembling a small helicopter. Beyond flight, stink bugs also create other distinct noises, including a clicking sound when they land on hard surfaces and low-frequency vibrations used for communication.
The clicking noise results from the combination of their physical body impacting a hard surface and the folding of their tough exterior forewings. In addition to these sounds, they can produce quieter, vibratory noises.
Why Stink Bugs Make Sounds
Stink bugs produce sounds for several reasons, primarily as a form of communication and defense. When disturbed, threatened, or handled, they can emit noises as a warning or distress signal. The loud buzzing during flight can also be a byproduct of their movement, indicating their presence when they are startled or attempting to move. Stink bugs use vibrations, which can be perceived as sounds, for more intricate communication, particularly in mating rituals. Male stink bugs use specific vibrational signals, sometimes referred to as “songs,” to attract females. These signals are transmitted through the surfaces they are on, such as plant leaves.
How Stink Bugs Produce Sound
The different sounds made by stink bugs originate from distinct biological mechanisms. The buzzing noise heard during flight is a direct result of the rapid flapping of their hind wings. Their forewings, which are thicker and tougher, primarily serve as protective coverings for the more delicate hind wings. The clicking sound often heard when a stink bug lands comes from the impact of its body, along with the folding action of its hard forewings, against a solid surface. For communication, especially mating calls, stink bugs generate vibratory signals by vibrating their abdomen. These vibrations are then transferred through the substrate the insect is resting on, such as a plant surface.
Distinguishing Stink Bug Sounds From Others
Differentiating stink bug sounds from those of other insects involves recognizing their specific acoustic characteristics. The buzz of a bee or fly typically originates solely from the rapid movement of their wings during flight, often characterized by a consistent hum. Flies possess two wings, while bees and wasps have four, influencing the subtle differences in their flight sounds. In contrast, a stink bug’s flight buzz can be loud and erratic, sometimes accompanied by a distinct clicking noise upon landing. This “buzz-click” combination is a signature sound of stink bugs, particularly when they encounter hard surfaces. Unlike the chirping of crickets, which involves rubbing body parts together in a process called stridulation, or the loud tymbal sounds of cicadas, stink bug noises are often lower in frequency and less continuous, especially their vibratory signals.