Native to North America, the sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) is an insect that feeds on the undersides of the leaves of sycamore trees. This can cause white stippling, chlorotic or bronzed leaves, and early leaf drop. Infestations are more common in late summer when it is dry. Severe infestation can cause defoliation by late summer.

Consecutive years of lace bug damage and other stress factors may lead to tree death. The sycamore lace bug is common throughout eastern North America.

Susceptible Hosts

• Sycamore (Platanus spp., especially Platanus occidentalis), Ash (Fraxinus spp.), and Hickory (Carya spp.)

Pest

Corythucha ciliata

Symptoms

• Whitish speckling is visible on the upper leaf surface

• Heavy feeding can lead to chlorotic, bronzed leaves and early leaf drop

Signs

• Field identification of adults can be difficult because of several similar species.

• The adult is yellowish-green to brown in color, flattened in shape, and about 1/8 inch (3mm) long.

• The adult’s wings are white and lace-like with a brown spot on the front edge of each.

• Deposits of hard, dark, varnish-like spots of excrement may be found on the leaf surface, especially along the leaf veins where the female inserts her eggs.

Life Cycle

• Adults become active in the spring as leaves appear on the host plant.

• Mating occurs and the female lays hundreds of eggs on the underside of leaves along the veins among their pubescence.

• The complete life cycle takes 30-45 days.

• 1-5 generations per year depending on location.

• Adults over winter under leaves, stones, and in bark crevices.

Distinguish from Look-alikes

• Similar speckling is caused by mites, which feed on the upper surface primarily; Mite damage, however, does not stain the lower leaf surface.

• Sycamore lace bug is very similar in appearance to several other lace bug species. Proper identification of host tree is the distinguishing factor.

Adults become active in early spring as leaves appear on the host plant. Females move to the leaves to lay hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch in approximately 14 days and nymphs emerge.

Soil applications of Xytect or Transtect are the recommended products of choice. Apply Xytect in late summer/early fall for next year control or apply Transtect in early spring for high levels of control. Arborists should only use foliar sprays for immediate activity against the insect.

University of Florida

Florida Department of Agriculture

Forest Pests