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Coreus marginatus Dock Bug
Family: Coreidae

A large and mottled reddish-brown squashbug with a broad, oval abdomen. The two small projections between the antennae are diagnostic.

There is one generation per year, adults mating and laying eggs in spring. The nymphs feed on dock and other related plants in the Polygonaceae; new adults may be found from August onwards. Common and widepread in southern Britain as far north as Yorkshire, where it may be found in a variety of dry and damp habitats.

Adult: All year
Length 13-15 mm

see illustrated life stages chart
Coreus marginatus Dock Bug
Adult: south London (October 2007) ©Joe Botting

Coreus marginatus Dock Bug Coreus marginatus Dock Bug
Adult: north London (April 2011) ©Tristan Bantock
Adult: south London (April 2007) ©Joe Botting

Coreus marginatus Dock Bug nymph Coreus marginatus Dock Bug nymph
Early instar nymph: Berks (August 2007) ©Jonathan Michaelson

Early instar nymph: (September 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)
Coreus marginatus Dock Bug nymph Coreus marginatus Dock Bug
Late instar nymph: (July 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)

Late instar nymph:  (September 2007) ©David Dupplaw
Coreus marginatus Dock Bug Coreus marginatus Dock Bug
Adult & late instar nymph:  (September 2007) ©Brian Kilford

Teneral adult:  (September 2006) ©Jon Law (Improved Image)