Gorse Lacebug
Dictyonota strichnocera
This record describes Dictyonota strichnocera (species). Recorded family: Tingidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.5 to 4.0 mm. Dictyonota species and Kalama tricornis have two rows of meshes at the lateral edges of the forewings and uniformly wide antennae (the 3rd segment is as thick as or thicker than the 4th). In D. strichnocera the antennae are entirely black and lack long hairs. Can be identified by external structure at 5-10X magnification. On Gorse, although it also occurs on Broom, leading to possible confusion with D. fuliginosa . The species overwinters as eggs, nymphs becoming adult in the summer, when mating and egg-laying takes place.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Gorse, although it also occurs on Broom, leading to possible confusion with
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June-October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The species overwinters as eggs, nymphs becoming adult in the summer, when mating and egg-laying takes place.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in the UK.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Dictyonota strichnocera. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Gorse Lacebug (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorse Lacebug
What is Gorse Lacebug?
Gorse Lacebug (Dictyonota strichnocera) is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Gorse Lacebug?
3.5 to 4.0 mm.
Where is Gorse Lacebug found?
Habitat: On Gorse, although it also occurs on Broom, leading to possible confusion with
When is Gorse Lacebug active?
Gorse Lacebug: seasonal activity - Adult: June-October..
What is the life cycle of a Gorse Lacebug?
The species overwinters as eggs, nymphs becoming adult in the summer, when mating and egg-laying takes place.