Page 56 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Chinch Bugs Chinch Bugs

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Chinch Bugs

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- Elongated 4 segmented 6.Thorax- yes Chinch Bug
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- narrow shape with stylet mouth parts 8.Abdomen- yes 16
4.Legs- 6 9.Color-various colors black
5.Wings- yes 10.Other- a true bug

Life Cycle 5
Eggs are laid underneath leaves or in the soil. Early instar nymphs are bright
red but will turn black by the final instar. Chinch bugs will mature in about 3- Drawing by Andrew Schaible
5 weeks. They can overwinter in either the egg stage or as adults. All life
stages will reside in the turfgrass crown and thatch, and in the border between
damaged and healthy grass. There can be several generations each year.

Chinch bugs are in the family of true bugs. They are small, generally under 1/5th inch in length, and
colored black with white wings. They have been a major pest for agriculture in the past--attacking corn,
small grains, and also turf in large populations. The False Chinch bug will attack fruits and flowers.

Damage
Chinch bugs are active during April through October, especially in full sun and peak in the summer
when temperatures are above 90°F. They will suck the sap from both nodes and crowns of the
turfgrass, resulting in yellowish to brownish patches. The turfgrass then begins to die during the hot
weather.

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