Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 268

The Dolycoris baccarum is a widespread species found in Europe and Central Asia, inhabiting various environments such as hedgerows, woodlands, fields, forests, parks, and gardens. They have a variable red-purple coloration and a hairy body, reaching a length of 10-12.5 millimeters. They are active throughout the year, with the northern populations being univoltine and the southern populations being bivoltine. They feed on a variety of plants, including Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Linaria vulgaris, and Lamium album. Despite being called the sloe bug, they do not feed on sloe plants. External links for more information can be found on Nature Spot and Insekten Box.