Dock Bug vs African Bat Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dock Bug African Bat Bug
Scientific Name Coreus marginatus Afrocimex constrictus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Coreidae Cimicidae
Size 12-15 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Caves
Diet Sap Feeders Parasites
Regions Europe, Western Asia East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dock Bug

A common European squash bug relative that feeds on dock and sorrel plants. It has a distinctively wide, flattened abdomen with expanded margins.

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Did You Know?

When handled, it releases a scent that many people describe as smelling distinctly like green apples.

African Bat Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite found on bats in East African caves. It is notable for its unusual mating system involving traumatic insemination.

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Did You Know?

Both males and females possess a defensive organ to mitigate injury from traumatic insemination.