Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs like oaks, hawthorns, and sycamores.

Diet & Feeding

Lace bugs are herbivores that use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap from the underside of leaves.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for their slow movement and for leaving telltale black resinous spots of excrement on the leaf surface. They typically overwinter as adults in leaf litter or under bark.

Risks & Benefits

They are common yard and garden pests that can cause 'stippling' or yellowing of leaves, which may lead to early leaf drop. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans, but can reach high populations that stress host plants.

Identified on: 1/8/2026