Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs (such as sycamore, oak, and azalea).

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of host plants, causing stippling on leaves.

Behavior Patterns

Lace bugs often remain on the same plant throughout their life cycle. They lay eggs along the leaf veins and produce sticky dark spots of excrement known as 'frass' on the underside of leaves.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans, though they can occasionally bite if they land on skin. Primarily an agricultural/gardening pest that can cause leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop in heavy infestations.

Identified on: 3/13/2026