Stephanitis pyrioides

Azalea lace bug

Description

The Azalea lace bug, known as Stephanitis pyrioides, is a pest that affects azalea plants. These small insects, typically about 3 to 4 millimeters long, have a distinctive lacy pattern on their wings, which gives them their name. Azalea lace bugs primarily feed on the undersides of azalea leaves. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from the foliage, resulting in characteristic damage symptoms. The upper surface of infested leaves develops a stippled or speckled appearance, often turning yellow or bronze. As the infestation progresses, the leaves may become distorted, shriveled, and eventually drop prematurely. The damage caused by Azalea lace bugs can weaken the affected azalea plants, affecting their overall health and appearance. Severe infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced flowering, impacting the aesthetic value of azalea shrubs and compromising their ability to photosynthesize and produce energy. Stephanitis pyrioides is native to eastern Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Korea. It was introduced to Europe and has been reported as an invasive species in various parts of Europe.

Symptom

The upper surface of infested leaves develops a stippled or speckled appearance, often turning yellow or bronze. As the infestation progresses, the leaves may become distorted, shriveled, and eventually drop prematurely.

Tree Species: Azalea

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes