Bug Identifier
Lantana Lace Bug
Community identification

Lantana Lace Bug

Teleonemia scrupulosa

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Tingidae
Size
3 to 4 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.