Lace Bugs Technical Report

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Lace bugs are common insect pests on many deciduous and evergreen landscape plants. Common host plants include azalea, sycamore, andromeda (Pieris), oak, hawthorn, hackberry, Rhododendron, crabapple, cherry and serviceberry (Amelanchier). Most lace bugs, such as the azalea lace bug or the sycamore lace bug, are limited to the host genera suggested by the common name while others attack a variety of related genera. Adult lace bugs are light colored with dark brown or black markings, somewhat square in shape, and with wings that appear lacy or similar to a stained-glass window. Nymphs are typically black and may have some spines along their backs or sides.