
Community identification
Lace Bug Nymph (Shed Skin/Exoskeleton)
Stephanitis sp. (likely Tingidae family)
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Tingidae
- Size
- 1 mm to 3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves of various host plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and sycamores.
Diet & Feeding
Nymphs and adults feed on plant sap by piercing the leaf surface with needle-like mouthparts.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs are relatively sedentary and live in colonies on the underside of leaves. They go through five growth stages (instars), shedding their transparent, spiny exoskeletons (as seen in the image) at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
They are agricultural and ornamental pests that cause 'stippling' or yellow spotting on leaves. While harmless to humans, heavy infestations can weaken or kill host plants.