Rhododendron Lace Bug
Stephanitis rhododendri
This record describes Stephanitis rhododendri (species). Recorded family: Tingidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
often a pest on cultivated plants growing in open sunny places ; common along the East Coast
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Tingidae (Lace Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Tinginae
- Tribe
- Tingini
- Genus
- Stephanitis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native: New England to FL and west at least to OH; also known from the Pacific Coast
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Rhododendron spp. and mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia )
Life History
Overwinters as eggs. At least 2 generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stephanitis rhododendri Horváth 1905
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stephanitis rhododendri. 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 Rhododendron Lace Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhododendron Lace Bug
What is Rhododendron Lace Bug?
Rhododendron Lace Bug (Stephanitis rhododendri) is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Rhododendron Lace Bug?
3-3.7 mm
Where is Rhododendron Lace Bug found?
Range: native: New England to FL and west at least to OH; also known from the Pacific Coast
What does Rhododendron Lace Bug eat?
The diet of the Rhododendron Lace Bug includes hosts: Rhododendron spp. and mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia ).
What is the life cycle of a Rhododendron Lace Bug?
Overwinters as eggs. At least 2 generations per year