Community identification
Lace Bug
Stephanitis spp. or Corythucha spp.
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera / Tingidae
- Size
- 3 to 4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves of various host plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, oaks, and sycamores.
Diet & Feeding
Piercing-sucking mouthparts use to feed on plant sap (cell contents) from leaves.
Behavior Patterns
They are slow-moving and usually spend their entire life cycle on the host plant, leaving small dark spots of excrement on the underside of leaves.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered horticultural pests as heavy infestations can cause 'stippling' or yellowing of foliage and premature leaf drop; they pose no risk to humans.