PEST
 
   NAME
     Lace Bug
     Various Lace Bug Species
 
   ORDER
     Hemiptera
 
   FAMILY
     Tingidae

Description of the Pest
The adult Azalea Lace Bug (Stephanitis pyrioides) is up to 4mm long and has a blackish body with transparent lacy wings. The dark-brown nymphs and the adults have piercing and sucking mouthparts. It is an introduced pest to Australia in the family Tingidae and is illustrated in the photos below. 

 		 

Appearance of the Pest
These insects have a Hemimetabolous life cycle, ie. When the immature nymphs resemble the adults.
The adult lays eggs on the underside of leaves along the main veins or the mid rib during spring. The sap-sucking nymphs are dark brown with spines protruding from their sides.

 Period of Activity
The nymphs appear during spring with the new growth and persist throughout summer.

Susceptible Plants
Cotoneaster, Crataegus and Amelanchler species are attacked by the lace bug (Corythucha cydoniae).

Dendranthema species are attacked by the lace bug (Corythucha marmorata) which causes the leaves to become mottled from the sap sucking habits of the adult and nymphs.

Olea species are attacked by a simular species the Olive Lace Bug.

Rhododendron species (Azaleas) are attacked by the Azalea Lace Bug (Stephanitis pyrioides).

Salix species is attacked by the lace bug (Corythucha mollicula) which turns leaves mottled yellow.

Ulmus species are attacked by the Elm Lace Bug (Corythucha ulmi), which infests new growth causing spotting of the leaves that eventually die. Black spots of excreta are commonly seen on the leaves.

Damage Caused
The nymphs suck the sap from the leaf underside and excrete black sticky blobs on the surface. The upper surface becomes blotched white to grey, which permanently damages the leaf. Damaged plants look unsightly or ill in the garden.

		   Blotched Upper Surface

Cultural Control
It is difficult to control, infested areas may be shaken to evict the insect on small plants or affected areas may be sprayed with soapy water.

Chemical Control 
Affected plants may be sprayed with a penetrant or systemic insecticide, which only delivers a satisfactory result and is very difficult to apply on large plants. These chemicals should be applied as soon as the damage starts to appear.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.