Andromeda Lacebug

Andromeda Lacebug - Stephanitis takeyai

Description

Length about 4 mm. Semi-transparent with a dark ladder pattern.

Similar Species

Another introduced species, Stephanitis rhododendri also feeds on Rhododendron and is found locally in southern England, it is similar in size and shape, but has mainly pale wings with a narrow brownish band near the base. 

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Can be identified from good quality photographs, preferable one from directly above and one from the side. 

Habitat

Parks and gardens where the host plants occur.

When to see it

Adult: June to November at least.

Life History

There are several generations per year, the bug overwintering as eggs. It is native to Japan, where it feeds on Pieris japonica and has been introduced into the USA and Europe via the plant trade. As well as Pieris, it also uses Rhododendron and azaleas as hostplants and is regarded as a pest in ornamental gardens.

UK Status

This species is a fairly recent arrival in the UK and was first recorded in 1998. Found mainly in south-east England but perhaps more widely now.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records