Dock Bugs

Dock bugs are most common in southern England and Wales, and many are attracted by wildflowers such as maculosa, docks, and sorrels.

In August and September, dock bugs are attracted to raspberry and blackberry fruit. Their feeding can cause come of the fruits to deflate however professionals can ensure that the damage is usually minor and should be tolerated.

Life Cycle

Adult bugs are seen in April and May and then again from August to October. They are brown and are usually 12mm long with large antennae. Adult dock bugs stay sheltered over the winter until the mating season occurs in April.

Eggs are laid from late May to early July and the young Dock bugs are called ‘nymphs’ and them feed by sucking sap from plant foliage.

Did you know?

Dock bugs shed their skin five times to their nymphal stages to adulthood.

When disturbed, dock bugs release a scent to warn other adults that the raspberries and blackberries can be tainted by the scent.

Dock bugs have enemies; that develop as internal parasites in the bodies, in the nymphal stages.

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