Hairy Shieldbug - Dolycoris baccarum

Length 11-12 mm. A large and distinctive purple-brown and greenish shieldbug which is covered with long hairs. The antennae and connexivum are banded black and white. During the winter, the ground colour becomes uniformly dull brown.

Found in many habitats particularly hedgerows and woodland edges.

Adult: All year.

This bug overwinters as an adult, emerging in the spring. Larvae, which are also hairy, may be found on numerous plants besides Blackthorn, particularly those in the Roasaceae family. The new generation is complete from August onwards.

Common and widespread throughout Britain, becoming scarcer in the north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.