Pest profile

Andromeda Lace Bug

Stephanitis takeyai · Hemiptera: Tingidae[3]

The andromeda lace bug is a small, showy lace bug, marked black and clear, that feeds under the leaves of Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica), turning the tops yellow to gray with stippling.[1][2]

Andromeda lace bug with a lacy hood and black-and-clear patterned wings on a white background
Andromeda lace bug with a lacy hood and black-and-clear patterned wings on a white background. (c) Daisy Cadet, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults are about 1/8 inch long with delicate lace-like wings and an inflated hood over the head, contrastingly marked black and clear.[1][2]
  • Nymphs are almost colorless at first, then dark and spiny; they and the adults feed on leaf undersides.[1][2]
  • Eggs sit in young leaves under a shiny, dark, varnish-like drop.[1][2]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Azalea lace bugAndromeda lace bug is rarely found on azalea.[1]

Where it lives

NC State calls it relatively uncommon in North Carolina but damaging where it occurs; UMass reports three to four generations a year in New England.[1][2]

US map: public records from 14 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

It usually overwinters as eggs inside the leaf; most adults and nymphs die by late winter.[1]

Nymphs molt five times; there are at least four generations a year in North Carolina, active from May to September, and three to four in New England.[1][2]

The first generation causes the most damage.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Japanese andromeda is the preferred host; it is rarely found on azalea, leucothoe, rhododendron and mountain laurel.[1][2]
  • Feeding causes severe yellow to gray stippling on the upper leaf surface.[1]

Health risk

None to people or pets.[1][2]

Control

Prevention

Plant mountain andromeda (Pieris floribunda), which is highly resistant, instead of Japanese andromeda where possible.[1]

Pesticides

Horticultural oil (summer rate) or insecticidal soap applied to leaf undersides works well, repeated as new eggs hatch; NC State says soil-applied systemics should go on after bloom to protect pollinators.[1]

Common questions

Why are my Pieris leaves yellow and speckled?
Andromeda lace bugs feeding underneath cause yellow to gray stippling on top.[1][2]
Is there a resistant andromeda?
Yes. Mountain andromeda (Pieris floribunda) is highly resistant.[1]
Where should sprays go?
On the leaf undersides, where the bugs, nymphs and eggs are.[1]

Sources

  1. NC State Extension, “Andromeda Lace Bug (PDIC Factsheet).” content.ces.ncsu.edu/andromeda-lace-bug (accessed 2026-10-15)
  2. UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program (Landscape Insect & Mite Guide), “Stephanitis takeyai (Andromeda Lace Bug).” www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/publications-resources/insect-mite-guide/stephanitis-takeyai (accessed 2026-10-15)
  3. iNaturalist, “Stephanitis takeyai taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/469978 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-15. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.