Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves of various trees and shrubs, including azaleas, oaks, sycamores, and rhododendrons.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap (chlorophyll) of host plant leaves.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for their distinctive lace-like patterns on their wings and thorax. They often aggregate in groups and can cause stippling (yellow or white spots) on leaves as they feed, eventually leading to leaf drop. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered agricultural and garden pests because they can damage ornamental plants and trees. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans, but their feeding can weaken plants and reduce their aesthetic value.

Identified on: 12/31/2025