Dolycoris baccarum, the sloe bug or hairy shieldbug, is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae.

This species is widespread in most of Europe and Central Asia. These shield bugs mainly inhabit hedgerows and woodland edges, fields, forests, parks and gardens.

Distribution and habitat

Dolycoris baccarum can reach a length of about 10–12.5 millimetres (0.39–0.49 in). The basic color of pronotum and elytra is quite variable, but usually it is reddish purple, while scutellum is ocher. During the winter the basic color is dull brown. The whole body is quite hairy. The antennae are made by 4-5 black and white sections and the margins of the abdomen (connexivum) are alternately mottled with whitish and black. The male and female are very similar. A related species encountered in Europe is Dolycoris numidicus.

Description

It is univoltine in the northern part of the range and bivoltine in the warmer southern areas. Adults of these shield bugs can be found all year around, as they overwinter. They emerge in the following spring, when they mate and females lay eggs. By the end of summer the new generation of adults appear. Nymphs feed on many plants, especially Rosaceae and Asteraceae species, Linaria vulgaris and Lamium album.  Adults can be found frequently on shrubs feeding on berries, especially Honeysuckle and Raspberries. Despite the common name sloe bug, neither the larvae nor the adults feed on Sloe (Prunus spinosa).

Biology

harmful

Dolycoris baccarum, commonly known as the Hairy Shieldbug, is considered a tree pest because it feeds on the sap of various tree species, causing damage to the leaves, stems, and fruits, which can negatively impact the health and productivity of the trees.

tree pest

Dolycoris baccarum can be considered garden pests because they have a tendency to feed on a wide range of garden plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, causing damage to the foliage and fruits, which can reduce the overall health and productivity of the garden.

garden pest

Dolycoris baccarum can be considered crop pests because they have been observed feeding on various crops, such as strawberries, raspberries, and apples, causing damage to the fruits and reducing the quality and yield of the crops.

crop pest

Dolycoris baccarum is considered a pest because it feeds on the sap of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage to the foliage, fruits, and overall productivity, which can have negative economic and ecological impacts.

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