Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves of various landscape trees and shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and oaks.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of host plant leaves.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for their distinct lace-like wings. They typically remain on the host plant throughout their life cycle, leaving behind dark varnish-like spots of excrement on the leaf surface.

Risks & Benefits

They are pests to ornamental plants and can cause yellowing or 'stippling' of leaves. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans, although they are occasionally known to bite skin if they fall onto a person, causing minor irritation.

Identified on: 1/6/2026