Dock Bug- Coreus marginatus
Bugs are insects in the order Hemiptera. These insects are characterised by their piercing, sucking mouthparts. The name “Hemiptera” comes from the Greek for “half wing” due to the fact that many Bugs have wings that are half hardened and half membranous- as can be seen in the photo of the Dock Bug Coreus marginatus below.
The piercing, sucking mouthparts of Hemiptera are often used for sucking out plant saps. There are nearly 2000 species of Hemiptera in the UK, many of which are quite specific in which plants they will feed on. For example, the Dock Bug will normally feed on plants in the Dock Family.