Four-lined plant bug biology & life cycle
Eggs overwinter in the stems of host plants. Overwintered eggs hatch in spring and early instar nymphs are usually found in mid-May to early April. The nymphs pass through five instars and adults appear at the beginning of June in some areas. Mated females insert eggs into the stems of their host plant and the adults gradually die out by the end of August. Nymphs and adults usually pierce young plant tissue and suck up plant juices. Feeding usually causes the formation of black, circular, necrotic spots on the surface of the plant tissue. The four-lined plant bug can severely damage flower and herb garden plants, vegetables, and ornamental shrubs.
