Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Found on the undersides of leaves of various host plants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and shade trees.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices (chlorophyll) from leaf cells.

Behavior Patterns

Lace bugs are known for their distinctive rectangular, lace-like wing covers. They typically live their entire lives on the underside of a leaf, laying eggs along the midrib and leaving behind dark spots of excrement as they feed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are significant garden and ornamental pests that cause 'stippling' or yellowing of leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop and plant stress. Benefits: They serve as a food source for generalist predators like ladybugs and lacewings.

Identified on: 12/28/2025