Insect · GBIF taxon 2020671
oak lace bug
Corythucha arcuataAlso known as Oak Lacebug
Oak lace bugs are delicate, miniature insects named for the intricate, reticulated web of veins spanning their translucent wings and broad thorax. They feed on the undersides of oak leaves, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to drain sap and cause characteristic yellow stippling on the upper leaf surface. Native to North America, they have expanded aggressively across Europe, where dense populations can brown entire canopy leaves by late summer.
Lace-like WingsHerbivorousInvasive Insect
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- White oak foliage
- English oak foliage
- Burr oak foliage
Predators
- Seven-spot ladybird
- Green lacewings
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsExtreme winter cold, targeted insecticidal treatments
HabitatsDeciduous forests, oak woodlands, urban parks
Life span1–3 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTingidae
- SpeciesCorythucha arcuata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding Them: Flip over stippled or yellowing oak leaves in mid to late summer to spot adults and dark nymph clusters.
- Magnification: Use a 10x hand lens or macro camera lens to view the stunning glass-like lace patterns on their forewings.
- Garden Care: Spray small infested trees with a strong jet of water to dislodge nymphs without harming beneficial predators.
Host Plant (c) Natalya Ivanova, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Host Plant (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Saryu Mae 前 朝琉 · cc-by
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