Sloe Shield Bug (Dolycoris baccarum)

This purple or red tinged shield bug can be found now and throughout August on shrubs of the rose family and that includes, of course, the Blackthorn or
Sloe bush. They feed on both flowers earlier in the year and on fruits which are forming now.

Shield bugs are members of the sub-order heteroptera, and are 'bugs' in the true sense, hence the name Sloe Shield Bug.

Shield Bugs are so aptly named with the body casing definitely resembling a shield but they come in all shapes and sizes, but always looking a bit like they are carrying a shield on their back.

There are several different species, this is one of the most common.

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