In 2009 the kudzu bug, also called the globular stinkbug, Megacopta cribraria, was first observed in Georgia, which appears to be when and where it was introduced to the US. These small stinkbugs are native to Southeast Asia and feed primarily on Kudzu. They however also feed on soybeans, one of Georgia’s agricultural crops. I first noticed them when I looked at my fig tree in late March this year and found it literally covered in these tiny bugs. I sent a photo to Marlene at the Extension office as I could not find them in my insect book. Over a period of a few weeks the bugs slowly left my fig tree and probably started feeding on Kudzu as it steadily greened up. They obviously prefer legumes to figs. But, once my string beans and soybean plants started growing the bugs were back. They seem to favor the stems…
