Bug Identifier
Lace Bug
Community identification

Lace Bug

Stephanitis spp. / Corythucha spp.

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera; Family Tingidae
Size
3 mm to 6 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.