Community identification
Lace Bug
Family Tingidae (genera vary by host plant)
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Tingidae
- Size
- 2mm to 8mm in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found on the undersides of leaves of various woody plants, including azaleas, oaks, and sycamores.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap from the undersides of leaves, often causing stippling or yellowing.
Behavior Patterns
They are named for the lace-like pattern of the veins in their wings. Adult lace bugs and nymphs are often found together on the same leaf. They typically remain stationary while feeding.
Risks & Benefits
They are minor garden pests that can cause aesthetic damage to ornamental plants and trees. They do not bite or pose a direct risk to humans.