Though other insects (garden varmints!) are mentioned, the star of this show is a type of stink bug called the harlequin bug or Murgantia histrionica. It’s a new one to our garden, but I’m not sure that is a good thing. Is the genus Murgantia really in honor of an ancient city in Sicily? I don’t know, and what about the species name histrionica? It seems to refer to drama or acting and the common name harlequin can refer either to the colorful patterns on this stink bug or an actor in a drama. All I know for sure is that when these colorful little stink bugs are found eating the leaves of our horseradish or cabbage there is drama in the garden. Much drama.
One note: the photo is mine and of a couple harlequin bugs on a horseradish leaf. Pretty cute, aren’t they?
Thank you so much for your support of KXCI Community Radio and thank you for listening to Growing Native. Here’s to 2021!
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