Lace bug

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap (cellular fluids) of host plants.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for their distinctive lace-like wing covers. They often live in colonies on the undersides of leaves and leave behind characteristic dark, varnish-like waste spots (frass).

Risks & Benefits

They are not harmful to humans or pets but are considered garden pests. Heavy infestations can cause leaf stippling, yellowing (chlorosis), and premature leaf drop, which can weaken the host plant.

Identified on: 3/14/2026