Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Plant sap specialist; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to drain fluids from the foliage.

Behavior Patterns

They are relatively sedentary insects that congregate in groups on host plants. They leave behind dark spots of excrement (varnish spots) on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellow or white stippling on the topside.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans, although they can occasionally land on and bite skin causing minor irritation. In high numbers, they are significant ornamental pests that can cause foliage drop or weaken the host plant.

Identified on: 1/8/2026