Why do stink bugs smell bad? Kuya Kim answers

A resident from Ilocos Sur is warning against a smelly insect that burned her skin after being in contact with it.

The harmful, foul-smelling insect in question? A lychee stink bug.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, stink bugs are named so because of the pungent smell they release as a defense when they are disturbed or when they get squished.

"Meron silang scent gland sa bandang thorax. Doon nanggagaling 'yung mabahong amoy na liquid," said Daryl Hernandez, an entomologist.

"It is a toxin in a form of dalawang compounds: aldehyde and alkene. Corrosive siya sa skin kaya siya makati," he added.

Tessaratoma papillosa, or lychee stink bugs, are considered pests in some countries, such as China, where they often target fruit trees such as lychee.

In the Philippines, however, it is more often found in Sapindaceae fruit trees like rambutan or longan.

The nymphs, or immature forms, of the lychee stink bug, as photographed by the resident, are more colorful compared to adult stink bugs and are usually smaller and have no wings.

In case you also encounter a stink bug, wash the area with soapy water, and if symptoms like an allergy persist, consult a doctor.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News