Hello Hivers....
This post is my entry for the macro photography contest hosted by @photofeed, If you want to enter this contest, please read and follow the rules here
The stink bug, known in English as the stink bug in the photo I'm sharing, is an insect known for its ability to emit a foul odor as a defense mechanism. Its dark body color with a dotted pattern on its back provides good camouflage in natural environments, such as leaves or plant stems. Its long antennae with orange tips and sturdy legs indicate it is an active and alert type of ladybug.
These ladybugs are typically found in gardens, fields, and tropical forests. They feed on plant sap using a needle-like mouthpart called a rostrum, which they use to puncture plant tissue. Despite their small size, stink bugs can be agricultural pests, damaging crops such as rice, corn, soybeans, and fruit. Their feeding activity can cause leaves to turn yellow, fruit to dry out, or stunted plant growth.
One of the main characteristics of these ladybugs is their ability to secrete a pungent-smelling fluid from glands on their thorax or abdomen when threatened. This odor not only serves to repel predators such as birds or spiders, but can also be irritating to humans if accidentally touched. This is why these insects are often nicknamed "stink bugs."
Although considered pests by farmers, stink bugs still play a role in the ecosystem as part of the food chain. They are prey for several species of birds and other predatory insects. Furthermore, their presence can be a natural indicator of an ecosystem's health. Macro photography like this is crucial for entomological studies, as it allows us to observe details of insect morphology that are invisible to the naked eye.
Important Note: I wrote in Indonesian, then translated it using Google Translate.
Regards @yayan