Community identification
Lace Bug
Family Tingidae
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Tingidae
- Size
- 2 to 8 mm (0.08 to 0.3 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves of various trees and shrubs, including azaleas, oaks, and sycamores.
Diet & Feeding
Lace bugs are herbivores that feed on plant sap by piercing the leaf surface with their needle-like mouthparts.
Behavior Patterns
They often live in colonies on the underside of leaves and go through several nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Feeding typically causes yellow or white stippling on the upper leaf surface.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered garden pests as heavy infestations can damage or defoliate ornamental plants. They generally pose no risk to humans or animals.