Lace Bug

Natural Habitat

Found primarily on the undersides of leaves of ornamental plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and pieris bushes; often found in residential gardens or landscaped areas.

Diet & Feeding

Plant-feeding insects that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to drain fluids from the leaf cells of their host plants.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit hemimetabolous metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult). Adults are characterized by their clear, lace-like wing covers. They typically produce several generations per year and overwinter as eggs inserted into the leaf tissue.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered horticultural pests as their feeding causes 'stippling' (yellow or white spots) on leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop and reduced plant vigor. They pose no physical risk to humans or pets but can be damaging to landscaping aesthetics.

Identified on: 3/25/2026