
Community identification
Lace Bug
Stephanitis pyrioides
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Tingidae
- Size
- 2 to 4 mm (0.08 to 0.16 inches)
Natural Habitat
Typically found on the undersides of leaves of host plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and oaks, in gardens and landscapes.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap from the underside of leaves.
Behavior Patterns
They are known for their intricate, lace-like wing patterns. They typically have multiple generations per year and overwinter as eggs inserted into leaf veins. Feeding causes 'stippling'—yellow or white spots on the upper leaf surface.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered garden pests as heavy infestations can cause significant aesthetic damage to ornamental plants and reduce plant vigor. They are generally harmless to humans and do not bite.