Black stink bugs (Proxys spp.) belong to the shield bug family (Pentatomidae) and are native to the Neotropical regions of the Americas. While they share the classic shield-like shape of its relatives, they exhibit several fascinating behavioral distinctions. Most notably, unlike the vast majority of stink bugs that deposit their eggs in tightly packed clusters, females of this genus lay their eggs individually. Furthermore, they are opportunistic omnivores, utilizing their needle-like mouthparts to pierce both succulent plant tissues and the soft bodies of insect larvae. Despite these unique traits, they still employ the same defenses as their relatives: when startled or threatened, they emit a highly pungent, foul-smelling chemical from specialized glands on the thorax. I encountered this intriguing insect while exploring the lush greenery of Puyo, a vibrant town in the Amazon region of Ecuador.