Podisus maculiventris and Podisus brevispinus
spined soldier bugs

Size: 8.5 – 13 mm
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Description: Adults are mottled light brown to tan dorsally, but can appear to be slightly red or pink or on the hemelytra. Pronotum often with pointed “spines” on the hind angles, but these can also be rounded. Wing membranes often have a central black stripe. Antennae are solid tan colored. Podisus brevispinus can be distinguished from P. maculiventris by the presence of a small spine that extends forward from the abdomen between the base of the hind legs on P. maculiventris, which is not present on P. brevispinus. 

Range: Both species are found across the United States and have been collected statewide in Oregon. 

Watch a video of Podisus feeding

P. brevispinus 1st instar

P. brevispinus 2nd instar

P. brevispinus 2nd instar

P. brevispinus 3rd instar

P. brevispinus 3rd instar

P. brevispinus 4th instar

P. brevispinus 5th instar

P. brevispinus adult

P. brevispinus eggs

P. maculiventris 1st instar

P. maculiventris 3rd instar

P. maculiventris 4th instar

P. maculiventris 4th instar

P. maculiventris 5th instar

P. maculiventris adult