Stink Bugs in Hives??

Dimmsdale · July 06, 2011, 04:49:15 PM

Here is a new one for me! I live in WV and we have been plauged by the scearg of the Earth..the Stink Bug! I went out to check out my first year hive and noticed the bees were balling something on the landing board. I thought "hmmm...they're balling the Queen, I wonder why" Strangly at the same time I saw a huge bumble bee come swooping in and try to enter the nest. I went to go get my camera and when I got back the ball was breaking up and at its center was this beat down fella.
I think it is a type of sinkbug but am not sure. Anyone else happen to see these around their hives? I'll be doing an inspection this weekend so I'm curious. It wasn't long after observing this bug that I noticed the bees carrying out the dead bumble bee. LOL First time I ever saw the girls lay the smack down. I wish I would have gotten it all on film, it was pretty crazy! First year beekeeper and I'm addicted! Seems like there is always something new to see!

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affreux · July 06, 2011, 07:00:14 PM

Not a stink bug.

yockey5 · July 06, 2011, 07:15:26 PM

If not a stink bug, what is it?

skatesailor · July 06, 2011, 07:33:11 PM

There is a new Asian Stinkbug that is supposed to be worse than ours. There was just an Ag warning in our area. I haven't seen it yet.

hardwood · July 06, 2011, 07:45:46 PM

I can't be sure, but that looks like an assassin bug.

Scott

schawee · July 06, 2011, 08:19:59 PM

sure looks like an assassin bug to me. schawee

AllenF · July 06, 2011, 09:09:58 PM

Apiomerus crassipes. Bee Assassins are common on flowers where they hunt and prey on bees and other insects.

Dimmsdale · July 06, 2011, 11:26:00 PM

Thanks everybody! This thing got the worst end of the deal. Saw 2 dead small guard bees, but this thing had about 50 bees working it over...it died pretty quickly. Never heard of them before, but you learn something new every day! Thanks again~

yockey5 · July 08, 2011, 08:44:41 PM

Too late it dawned on me just what this (assassin bug) lil critter is.

joebrown · July 08, 2011, 11:05:09 PM

I had a nuc ball a japanese beetle this afternoon. The nuc is a split I made with some queen cells. Like you, I thought oh maybe the queen is coming out. I walked up there and it was a poor little beetle. He did not stand a chance!