Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted a while ago about the stink bug problem that's EVERYHWERE I live. I changed the lid to my habitat (to one designed for that size tank), but they still get in. I take them out when I find them, but just a few minutes ago I was too slow and one of my guys gulped one down. I've learned that their smell is produced by cyanide. I cut off all the heat in the habitat (my room's about 65-70, so it won't get too cold) to slow matabolism (in the hope that even if it is a lethal dose, he'll metabolize it slowly enough not to cause permanent damage). Does anyone have ANY information on whether stink bugs can cause lizards harm? I can't find anything except about cats, and even then I've gotten conflicting info. Please please help!

letting the stink bug and another other food in your dragon's gut to rot at improper temperatures..isn't going to slow anything.

If he has a toxic reaction, higher temps and plenty of fluids is more beneficial, to flush the toxins out of his system as fast as possible, is a better method.

If the stinkbug was toxic, it would probably have killed your dragon by now...

Best thing to do, is keep things normal in your dragon's tank and see if you notice any changes in his behavior...if he gets sick and lethargic, take him to a vet and they can help flush toxins form his body, if necessary.
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PHLdyPayne

I 2nd LdyPayne's post

I saw your post with the stink bug problem earlier. Do you by chance keep Super Worms??? Super worms morph into a beetle which produce the same smell as your common stink bug. I had one dragons grab an actual stink bug, and he was quick to drop it once the taste was in his mouth. The dragon then started rubbing his mouth on the carpet and you could immediately tell it was not pleasent. I gave him lot of water and he was fine. If your dragon is eating them without any reaction, chances are its a morphed super worm. I thought I was being over run with stink bugs as well until I figured it out.

Hope this helps,
Gilbert

Good point on the fact other beetles do produce a foul taste as a defense against predators. However, stink bugs and superworm beetles don't look like each other at all.

Picture is what a superworm beetle looks like. The link is to a picture of one of the many kinds of stink bugs out there. They all pretty much have the same body shape.

quad9damage.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/stinkbug.jpg

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PHLdyPayne

No, these are definately stink bugs. It's a really big problem in my area, they're an invasive species from China and they've gone nuts because of the warmer winters. And yeah, they look nothing at all like s super worm beatle, which I don't keep besides. And my beardy did seem to gag a minute or two after eating it, but didn't throw it up. I think he swallowed it before it had a chance to spray.

My beardie's fine now. I was just very worried because I had heard reports of cats getting sick from eating them.