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SYCAMORE LACE BUG
Leaf damage caused by feeding of the SYCAMORE LACE BUG.
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| Other |
Lace Bug |
| Species |
Corythuca ciliata |
| Common Hosts: |
Ash Fraxinus spp.
Hickories Carya spp.
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis |
Description |
Adult -- approximately 3 mm long; yellowish-green to brown head and body; milky white wings flattened to a lace-like effect, brown spot on each front edge of wings.
Nymph -- body color and shape similar to adult, usually darker; wings absent. |
Importance |
Common on sycamore leaves in the late summer-early fall. Severe lace bud feeding damage may result in premature leaf drop. Several consecutive years of severe damage may unduly stress a tree. In combination with other stress factors, death may occur. |
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Adult lace bugs become active in the spring, mate, and the female lay their eggs on the ribs of leaves, usually the undersides. The nymphs emerge and feed on the leaf undersides as well. Adult and nymph lace bugs have piercing/sucking mouthparts to receive and suck out the contents of plant cells. Overwinter as adults under bark scales and other protective sites. |
| Number of Generations |
3 or 4 generations per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Discoloration of foliage - often a yellowing or bronzing. Premature leaf drop, much in advance of the usual fall occurrence. Whitish blotching or stippling on upper leaf surfaces. Dark brown spots and stains (lace bug excrement) on the leaves; insects and cast skins on the undersides of leaves. |
| Similiar Damage |
Lace bugs typically exhibit a very strong association with specific tree species. For instance, the sycamore lace bug primarily feeds on sycamore, the HAWTHORN LACE BUG on hawthorns, and the OAK LACE BUG on oaks. |
Control |
- Natural control factors (predators, parasites, diseases) usually keep lace bug populations at low levels. Local population flare-ups do occur occasionally. Promote tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees or for especially damaging lace bug populations.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
