Dock Bug Coreus marginatus

Species Information
Length 12-15 mm. Sometimes called the ‘Brown Squash Bug’, ‘Squash Bug’ or ‘Dock Leaf Bug’, this is a large brownish shield bug with rounded shoulders and orange to peach coloured striped hard wing base. It also has two tiny horns between its dark-tipped antennae.

When threatened this bug releases an obnoxious chemical in defence which can turn the skin brown if contact is made. It can be very hard to wash off and remain this way for many days. With this reference in mind, it is sometimes known as a ‘Stink Bug’. It hibernates in all life stages. It feeds mainly on the fruits and seeds of dock (rumex), and their relatives (Polygonaceae). It can also be a pest to rose buds and soft fruits, especially squash (Cucurbita).

Mostly observed in spring and autumn where they congregate before they hibernate. It is found in many habitats, including woodland verges, hedgerows, the edge of cultivated fields, meadows, wasteland and gardens. A widespread and common species found all over Europe and parts of North America. Common and widespread in southern Britain.

Classification

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Insecta (Insects)
Hemiptera (True Bugs)
Heteroptera (True Bugs)
Coreidae (Squashbugs)
Coreus
Coreus marginatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Photographs