LACE BUGS
General Description
Adult lace bugs are approximately 1/8 inch long. Most species are gray or brown and somewhat rectangular. Some species have a broad hood-like projection that extends over the head, while other species lack the projection and are elongate in shape. The wings are sculptured giving them a lace-like appearance. The nymphs are black or brown and possess prominent spines.
Important Species
There are approximately 140 North American species. The most common species in Florida are the:
Other, less frequently encountered, lace bugs species are the:
Biology
Lace bugs have gradual metamorphosis (i.e., egg-nymphs-adult). Eggs are deposited in or on the tissue of newly developing leaves, usually along the midribs. Many species secrete a brownish substance that hardens over the eggs and secures them to the leaf. There are five to six nymphal instars. Depending on the species and the weather, the life cycle requires four to seven weeks and there are three to five generations per year.
Some of the more common woody host plants include azalea, fringetree, lantana, loquat, oaks, pyracantha and sycamore.
Seasonal Abundance
Lace bugs appear throughout the year, but are more prevalent in late summer and fall.
Damage
Both the nymphs and adults withdraw plant sap with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Infested leaves are stippled with brown, yellow or white blotches on the upper surface. Lower surfaces are disfigured by cast nymphal skins, stains from excrement and from the brownish shields covering the eggs. Severe infestations cause the leaves to become almost white and drop from the plants. Most species prefer sunny habitats.
Sampling
Most lace bugs have very specific host preferences which aids in field identification. Examine the underside of leaves for adults and the spiny, dark-colored nymphs. There will be dark-brown spots and stains present. When disturbed by pulling a leaf from a plant for observation, lace bugs exhibit a peculiar bouncing movement.
Lace bugs have several natural enemies including egg parasites, lacewing larvae, assassin bugs, spiders and predaceous mites.
Chemical Control
Thorough spray coverage, especially to the underside of the leaves is essential. Insecticidal soap is effective and should be considered due to the safety to beneficial organisms.
For the most current insecticide recommendations to control these pests, please contact the local county office of the Cooperative Extension Service. If you have access to the World Wide Web you can consult the University of Florida's Insect Management Guide at:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_GUIDE_Insect_Management_Guide
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