If you ate a stink bug, you likely wouldn't be poisoned, but you would experience a very unpleasant taste and potentially some temporary physical discomfort.
Are Stink Bugs Poisonous?
According to the reference, stink bugs are not poisonous to humans. This means they don't contain toxins that would cause systemic poisoning just by being ingested.
Potential Effects of Ingestion
While not poisonous, eating a stink bug can still cause adverse reactions due to the defensive liquid they release when threatened, such as by being crushed or chewed. This liquid is known for its very foul taste and odor.
If you swallow the liquid released by a stink bug, it can cause several symptoms:
- Stomach upset: You might feel nauseous or have a general feeling of discomfort in your stomach.
- Vomiting: The foul taste and resulting stomach upset could lead to vomiting.
- Mouth irritation: The liquid can irritate the tissues in your mouth, potentially causing a burning or tingling sensation.
These effects are generally temporary and a result of the irritant nature of the defensive liquid rather than true poisoning.
In summary:
Eating a stink bug is unlikely to be dangerous from a toxicity standpoint, but the release of their defensive liquid will lead to a highly unpleasant sensory experience and possible short-term digestive discomfort and mouth irritation.
