
Community identification
Lantana Lace Bug
Teleonemia scrupulosa
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Tingidae
- Size
- 3 to 4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves, primarily on Lantana bushes in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diet & Feeding
A specialist herbivore that feeds exclusively on the sap of Lantana plants, causing leaves to yellow and drop.
Behavior Patterns
They are active year-round in warm climates; females lay eggs along the midrib of host leaves. They are often found in large colonies and are known for their distinct lace-like wing texture.
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial as a biological control agent for invasive Lantana camara, but can be a pest on ornamental varieties. They pose no direct risk to humans.