Community identification
Lace Bug
Family Tingidae (genera and species vary by host plant)
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Tingidae
- Size
- Small, typically 2 to 8 mm (0.1 to 0.3 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves of various host plants including hardwoods, shrubs, and ornamentals.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap from leaf tissues.
Behavior Patterns
They are known for their distinctive lace-like wing covers. They typically live and feed in groups on the underside of leaves, and their life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans. However, heavy infestations can cause 'stippling' or bleaching of leaves, reducing plant vigor and aesthetic value in gardens or forests.