Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Found on the undersides of leaves of various trees and shrubs including sycamore, oak, and azaleas.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. These insects use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of plant leaves, often causing stippling (pale spots).

Behavior Patterns

They are named for the lace-like patterns on their wings and thorax. They often live in colonies on the underside of foliage and leave behind dark, varnish-like excrement spots.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a garden and agricultural pest that can damage ornamental plants; they do not bite humans or pets and are not known to transmit diseases.

Identified on: 2/13/2026