Lace Bugs

Lace bugs are small sap-sucking insects named for the intricate, lace-like pattern on the adult's wings and thorax. Adults are around 3-5mm long, flattened, and appear pale brown to straw-coloured with a網-textured, almost transparent wing covering that gives them a delicate, decorative look when viewed closely. Different species specialise in particular hosts, including azalea lace bug, olive lace bug, macadamia lace bug and sycamore lace bug, each preferring the leaves of their namesake plant.

Juveniles (nymphs) are wingless, spiny-looking, and much smaller than adults, ranging from pale translucent to dark brown or black as they mature through several growth stages. Both nymphs and adults feed exclusively on the underside of leaves, where they pierce leaf tissue and suck out cell contents. Their black, tar-like droppings (frass) are often visible on the underside of infested leaves alongside cast skins from moulting nymphs.

These insects are found throughout Australia wherever susceptible host plants grow, with activity peaking in warmer months from spring through to autumn. Populations can build up quickly in still, sheltered conditions, particularly on stressed or drought-affected plants, and on the undersides of dense foliage where predators have difficulty reaching them.

Management relies on regular inspection of leaf undersides, especially during warmer months, and addressing plant stress through adequate watering and mulching, since stressed plants tend to suffer worse infestations. Encouraging natural predators such as lacewings, ladybirds and predatory bugs helps keep populations in check. Heavily infested leaves can be pruned out and disposed of to reduce the breeding population, and a strong jet of water can dislodge nymphs and adults from foliage.