
Community identification
Lace Bug
Stephanitis spp. (likely)
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Tingidae
- Size
- 2 to 8 mm (0.08 to 0.3 inches)
Natural Habitat
Found on the undersides of leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and oaks.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap from the underside of leaves.
Behavior Patterns
They are known for their distinctive lace-like patterns on their wings and thorax. They often leave behind dark spots of excrement on the underside of host leaves and cause a 'stippling' or yellowing effect on the upper surface.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans. They are considered horticultural pests as heavy infestations can cause significant aesthetic damage to ornamental plants and reduce plant vigor.