Corythucha ciliata

Sycamore lace bug

Description

This North American species was first reported in Europe in the early 1960s. The 3.5 mm long insect overwinters under the bark scales of older trees. Since the leaves star to open, adults begin feeding on the lower leaf surface. The females deposit egg in clusters of up to 350 eggs. The larvae develop into adults by June. Depending on the climatic conditions, a second or third generation can occure. Infested leaves show a pale mottled discolouration. Damage is usually minor, but if the infestation is long-lasting and occurs together with associated fungi, affected trees may decline or even die. Heavily infested trees drop their leaves by late summer. It can be found in parks and gardens on shade and ornamental trees.

Symptom

The infested leaves have a light color. On the underside of the leaves there are small adults and nymphs and a lot of black small faeces of sucking insects.

Tree Species: Plane

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence