Order: Hemiptera
Family: Tingidae
Stephanitis takeyai
Overview
The andromeda lace bug is a common pest species on Japanese andromeda plants. They arrived in the US in Connecticut in 1945 (or before) from Japan, and have been affecting primarily Pieris spp. in the region ever since. Andromeda lace bugs feed using piercing-sucking mouthparts to remove fluids from their host plants, and the damage they cause can range from minor injury to very severe, even ending in defoliation. At times, management of andromeda lace bug can be difficult.
Host Plants
The preferred host of the andromeda lace bug in its native range is lyonia (fetterbush; Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica), while outside of its native range (in the introduced range in the United States) the preferred host is the Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica). This species can also be found on azalea and rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.), leucothoe (Leucothoe spp.), snowbell (Styrax spp.), and willow (Salix spp.).
Identification/Life Cycle
The andromeda lace bug is most commonly encountered on Japanese andromeda. Eggs are tiny and inserted into the midveins on the lower surface of the leaf and covered with a coating that hardens into a protective covering. 5 nymphal (immature) stages are reported. Nymphs are different in appearance from the adults, often covered with spiky protrusions. 3-4 generations per year have been observed in New England, with most activity seen between late-May (possibly with most eggs hatching in early June) into September (see GDD's). (Note: conflicting growing degree day ranges have been reported for andromeda lace bug; see the Professional Insect & Mite Management Guide for Woody Plants for more information.) Both nymphs and adults can be seen feeding on leaf undersides. Adults have delicate, lace-like wings and what appears to be an "inflated hood" that covers their head. Adults are approximately 1/8 of an inch long.
Damage
This piercing-sucking insect pest can cause severe injury to Japanese andromeda, especially those planted in full sun. Meanwhile, mountain andromeda (Pieris floribunda), is highly resistant to this pest. Like other lace bugs, this insect uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to drain plant fluids from the undersides of the leaves. Feeding damage may be first noticed on the upper leaf surface, causing stippling and chlorosis (yellow or off-white coloration). Yellow stippling on leaf surfaces can at times be severe. Lace bug damage is distinguished from that of other insects upon inspecting the lower leaf surface for black, shiny spots of tar-like excrement, "shed" skins from the insects, and adult and nymphal lace bugs themselves.
Management Strategies:
A first sign of potential lace bug infestation is stippling (yellow/white colored spots) or chlorosis on host plant leaf surfaces. Lace bugs excrete a shiny, black, tar-like excrement that can often be found on the undersides of infested host plant leaves and as such, can be a sign that a lace bug issue exists. A range of methods for managing andromeda lace bugs exists and are discussed below.
Cultural/Mechanical Management:
Mountain andromeda (Pieris floribunda) is considered to be highly resistant to this insect and can be used as an alternative. Consider replacing Japanese andromeda with mountain andromeda as a way to prevent future issues with these lace bugs. If planting Japanese andromeda, avoid planting in full sun as those individuals are typically the most severely impacted by this insect.
Biological Control/Natural Enemies:
Natural enemies are usually predators, and sometimes not present in large enough numbers in landscapes to reduce lace bug populations. Structurally and (plant) species complex landscapes have been shown to reduce azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides) populations through the increase of natural enemies.
In particular, one egg parasitoid of the andromeda lace bug has been studied (Balsdon et al, 1996). Anagrus takeynus is a hymenopteran parasitoid in the family Mymaridae, also known as the fairy wasps (or fairyflies, which is misleading). This parasitoid was first described in Connecticut in 1977, and is believed to occur with andromeda lace bugs throughout the US. In Connecticut, there could be up to 5 generations per year of this parasitoid. Balsdon et al, 1996 found that percent parasitism by Anagrus takeynus across three sites ranged from 17-19% in 1992. This egg parasitoid is believed to have originated in Japan with the andromeda lace bug, and may have been accidentally introduced along with it when it was first brought to the US.
Chemical Management:
Concentrate contact insecticides to the undersides of the foliage for best management of the andromeda lace bug. Applications of horticultural oil (at the summer rate) or insecticidal soap work well when concentrated to the leaf undersides. Note that more than one application may be necessary as new eggs hatch.
There are products available containing the following active ingredients labeled for use against andromeda lace bug in Massachusetts: abamectin (NL), acephate (NL), azadirachtin (NL), Beauveria bassiana (NL), bifenthrin (NL), carbaryl (L), chlorantraniliprole (NL), clothianidin (NL), cyantraniliprole (NL), cyfluthrin (NL), deltamethrin (L), dinotefuran (NL), fenpropathrin (NL), flonicamid+cyclaniliprole (N), gamma-cyhalothrin (L), horticultural oil (L), imidacloprid (L), insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) (NL), lambda-cyhalothrin (L), malathion (L), permethrin (L), pyrethrin+sulfur (NL), spinetoram+sulfoxaflor (N), and summer oil (L).
Active ingredients that may be applied systemically include: abamectin (injection), acephate (injection), azadirachtin (injection, soil drench), clothianidin (soil drench), chlorantraniliprole (soil drench), cyantraniliprole (soil drench, soil injection), imidacloprid (soil drench), and dinotefuran (soil drench).
Make insecticide applications after bloom to protect pollinators. Applications at times of the day and temperatures when pollinators are less likely to be active can also reduce the risk of impacting their populations.
Note: Beginning July 1, 2022, neonicotinoid insecticides are classified as state restricted use for use on tree and shrub insect pests in Massachusetts. For more information, visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Program.
Read and follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. If this information contradicts language on the label, follow the most up-to-date instructions on the product label. Always confirm that the site you wish to treat and the pest you wish to manage are on the label before using any pesticide. Active ingredients labeled "L" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for landscape uses on trees or shrubs. Active ingredients labeled "N" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for use in nurseries. Always confirm allowable uses on product labels. This active ingredient list is based on what was registered for use in Massachusetts at the time of publication. This information changes rapidly and may not be up to date. If you are viewing this information from another state, check with your local Extension Service and State Pesticide Program for local uses and regulations. Active ingredient lists were last updated: September 27, 2024. To check current product registrations in Massachusetts, please visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Product Registration page and click on "Search Pesticide Products Registered in Massachusetts - Kelly Solutions".
References
Biology and Ecology of Anagrus takeyanus (Hymenoptera:Mymaridae), an Egg Parasitoid of the Azalea Lace Bug (Heteroptera:
Tingidae) JULIE A. BALSDON,l S. KRISTINE BRAMAN, AND KARL E. ESPELIE Environ. Entomol. 25(2): 383-389 (1996).
UMass Extension Insect Management Guide
Authors
Updated by Tawny Simisky and Paige Brown.