Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Found on the undersides of leaves of various trees and shrubs, including sycamore, oak, azaleas, and hawthorn.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap from the underside of leaves.

Behavior Patterns

They are often found in large groups; their feeding causes 'stippling' or yellow spots on leaves. They leave behind dark, varnish-like spots of excrement on the foliage.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered landscape pests as heavy infestations can cause premature leaf drop and weaken plants. They are harmless to humans, though they may occasionally land on skin and provide a minor, harmless nip.

Identified on: 3/25/2026