The Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) is an insect in the Pentatomidae family of shieldbugs. It is also known as the Sloe Bug.
The Hairy Shieldbug can vary in colour, although the pronotum (plate part that covers the thorax) and the elytra (wing casings) are reddish-purple. The scutellum (shield) is ochre-brown. During winter, the basic colour is dull brown. The edges of the connexivum have black and whitish markings. The whole body underneath the shield is quite hairy – it looks like it is covered in dust and carpet hair. Its antennae have 4-5 black and white sections. It has big, round, black eyes on a small head. The male and female look similar.
It grows to one centimetre (half an inch) long.
It is widespread across Europe and Central Asia. It prefers woodlands, fields, forests, parks, and gardens.
It feeds on plants and shrubs.
The adult bugs can be seen all year round. The female lays eggs in spring. It is univoltine, which means that she has only one brood of young each year. The young are called nymphs.
Location: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM