The andromeda lace bug (Stephanitis takeyai) is a pest insect on plants of the genus Pieris, especially Pieris japonica, the Japanese andromeda. It originated in Japan with its host plant but has since been introduced to other areas of the globe. At least one Pieris species, Pieris floribunda, is resistant to the bug.

The andromeda lace bug is about 3 millimeters in length. It has a characteristic rounded pronotum, lacy black and white wings, and shiny gold highlighting.

Stephanitis takeyai

The bug produces mottling on the leaves of the plant, and heavy infestations can cause the leaves to drop in large numbers, stunting the plant's growth. Both nymph and adult forms damage the leaves by piercing them to suck the juices, and leave dark frass on the undersides of the leaves. Damage is worst on plants that grow in full sun.

Stephanitis takeyai

References

Lace bugs on evergreens

Andromeda fact sheet

Greenwood, P. et al. (2000). The American Horticultural Society: Pests and Diseases. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.

Stephanitis takeyai

Insects of Japan

Tingidae

Insect pests of ornamental plants

Insects described in 1955