Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs nymphs and adults
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University
Chinch bug nymphs change color as they mature. Young nymphs are bright red with a white band. Older nymphs progress from orange-brown to gray and finally black. Adults are about 1/5” long with white wings. The wings extend down the back either completely or half-way down.
Damage
Both nymphs and adults are damaging to turf grass. All stages can be present at any one time. Chinch bugs damage turf by sucking the plant juices. Damaged grass turns yellow, then brown. Visible damage begins as irregular patches in open, sunny areas. Injury occurs during hot, dry summer months and is most severe on drought-stressed turf.
The southern chinch bug is a serious pest of St. Augustine, but also readily feeds on Zoysia. This is the species that is found in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Additional Note
Chinch bugs are often confused with the beneficial big-eyed bug that is a predator of chinch bugs and other small insects. Big-eyed bugs have large eyes and dark wings.