Bug Identifier
Lace Bug
Community identification

Lace Bug

Calyptodes sp. or Corythucha sp. (likely genus)

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera; Family Tingidae
Size
2mm to 8mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.