The presence of russet body coloration inNezara viridula(L.) has been used as an indicator of reproductive diapause. Our studies have shown that this coloration is not a reliable indicator of diapause. Russet coloring was not found in all reproductively diapausing adult females, whereas some direct developing females exhibited russet coloration. Diapausing females that developed russet coloring did so sooner after eclosion than those that developed directly. Diapausing individuals also had a greater proportion of their body russet colored than nondiapausing individuals. Possible reasons for the increased prevalence of russet colouration in diapausing adults are discussed.