# Sloe Bug (*Dolycoris baccarum*) The Sloe Bug is a small, colorful insect that loves to munch on plants. It has a special shield shape and can be found in gardens and fields, making it a fun little friend to spot! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Blackthorn Bug ![Sloe Bug](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dolycoris_baccarum_%2810.3897-BDJ.9.e65314%29_Figure_1_e.jpeg&width=800) Photo: \[Photo: Rui Andrade\] Sousa P, Grosso-Silva JM, Andrade R, Chaves C, Pinto J, Paupério J, Beja P, Ferreira S (2021) The InBIO Barcoding Initi, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolycoris_baccarum_%2810.3897-BDJ.9.e65314%29_Figure_1_e.jpeg) ## Appearance The Sloe Bug is a true bug with a distinctive shield-shaped body, typically purplish-brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with green or yellowish tints, especially on the sides. Its antennae are striped with alternating black and white bands, which distinguishes it from many other uniformly colored shield bugs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Pentatomidae - **Genus:** Dolycoris ## Interesting facts - Sloe Bug eggs are laid in neat clusters, often stuck firmly to the underside of leaves! - Some people call them 'Hairy Shield Bugs' because of tiny hairs on their bodies! - Their babies, called nymphs, have vibrant patterns and colors that shift with each growth stage! - You might spot them sunbathing on leaves to warm up their bodies on cooler days! ## Special abilities - **Shield Armor:** Sloe Bug has a tough, shield-shaped exoskeleton that helps them protect their soft body from predators and impacts. - **Berry Sucker:** Sloe Bug can pierce plants and fruits with a straw-like mouthpart to drink tasty sap and juices for nourishment. - **Stink Spray:** Sloe Bug can release a smelly liquid when threatened, which helps them deter hungry birds and other attackers. - **Winter Napper:** Sloe Bug can survive cold winters by finding sheltered spots to hibernate as an adult, waiting for spring. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-24 mm - **Size:** 10-12 mm - **Lifespan:** 270-365 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding The Sloe Bug sips plant sap and juices from a variety of leaves, fruits, and berries. - **Age differences:** Nymphs feed on plant sap and juices, similar to adults, but prefer softer plant tissues. - **Primary Foods:** blackthorn berries, raspberry sap, nettle leaves, various tree leaves, fruit juices - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Blackthorn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blackthorn) (*Prunus spinosa*) — Feeds on sap and fruits. - **Eats:** Common Blackberry (*Rubus fruticosus*) — Sips juices from berries and leaves. - **Eats:** Stinging Nettle (*Urtica dioica*) — Feeds on plant sap. - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Small birds often prey on them. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Sloe Bugs are safe to observe, but be gentle if you touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Sloe Bug? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Sloe Bug's wingspan? 20-24 mm ### How big is Sloe Bug? 10-12 mm ### How long does Sloe Bug live? 270-365 days ### What does Sloe Bug eat? The Sloe Bug sips plant sap and juices from a variety of leaves, fruits, and berries. ### Where is Sloe Bug usually found? Urban areas ### How does Sloe Bug hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Sloe Bug have? 6 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Sloe Bug: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sloe-bug)