Hairy Shieldbug

Name: Hairy Shieldbug

Scientific name: Dolycoris baccarum

Category: Minibeasts

Nature Stars: 40

What are nature stars?

About: Another species that is moving north as the climate changes. The Hairy Shieldbug feeds on a wide variety of plants. 11mm long.

How to identify: Easily recognised, if seen well, by the covering of short hairs. Also has black and cream chequered sides and black and white banded antennae.

Where: Widespread, becoming rarer in the north.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 10
• Agility: 50
• Rarity: 30
• Cute factor: 40
• Traveller: 20

Fantastic fact: Another common name is the Sloe Bug. However, in a survey in Surrey, despite being found on 55 different plant species, it was never found on Blackthorn!

Photograph credit: Photo credit tbc