[Objectives]  To characterize the function of ferritin genes, which play an essential role in maintaining iron homeostasis, in Riptortus pedestri, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the control of this pest. [Methods]  Homologous ferritin genes were identified by sequence analysis from R. pedestris transcriptomic and genomic data and RNA-seq used to detect the expression patterns of three ferritin genes in different developmental stages and tissues. Third instar nymphs were injected with ferritin dsRNAs and subsequent phenotypic changes observed. [Results]  Three ferritin genes, including ferritin heavy chain (RpFer1), ferritin light chain (RpFer2) and soma-Fer (Rpsoma-Fer), were identified. All three genes were expressed at all developmental stages examined, but differed in their expression patterns in different stages. The expression patterns of RpFer1 and RpFer2 were correlated with molting, whereas that of Rpsoma-Fer was not. All three genes were highly expressed in the intestine, muscle, and cuticle but less expressed in the salivary gland, testis, and ovary. Suppression of RpFer1 or RpFer2 was lethal to R. pedestris nymphs because it inhibited molting. However, we did not detect any phenotypic changes after treatment with dsRpsoma-Fer. [Conclusion]  Both RpFer1 and RpFer2 play an essential role in the molting process and are therefore essential for normal R. pedestris development. Consequently these two genes are potential targets for R. pedestris control.