Small insect - Stephanitis takeyai

Moved

… Brad Barnd, 23 September, 2007 - 11:26pm

This is Stephanitis takeyai

the andromeda lace bug. Yes, the pattern is distinctive and the large black hood, as well as the roundish wings. This species was accidentaly introduced from Japan probably with shipments of the ornamental andromeda plant (Pieris japonica). It's preferred hosts are Pieris sp., Andromeda sp. and Lindera sp. (spicebush). It's a closely related species to the azalea and rhododendron lace bugs.

… Laura T. Miller, 20 September, 2007 - 3:01pm

Congratulations, Elliotte

This is a first for Bug Guide. If there's an editor looking at this post, please create a guide page.

Also, Elliotte, there's a forum you can use to request a guide page. When you do, reference this post and also the fact that Dr. Miller made the ID. Good going!

… Ron Hemberger, 20 September, 2007 - 9:11pm

The small ones are tough. Probably lace bug.

We have others posted, so give a look. With lace bugs, it's good to know what plant they're on and whether they're solo or part of a group.

… Ron Hemberger, 19 August, 2007 - 10:03pm

It was single. I'll see if I

It was single. I'll see if I can determine the plant.

… Elliotte Rusty Harold, 20 August, 2007 - 2:30am

Great; knowing plant could help greatly.

Let me start by saying I'm no expert, but we do have a very good lace bug expert who hasn't visited in some time. I think there are other insects like yours awaiting ID and that this may be one of them:

If you can't figure out the plant - I couldn't - we have many knowledgeable people here who might be able to tell from a photo.

… Ron Hemberger, 20 August, 2007 - 10:55am

Just knowing it's a Lace Bug

Just knowing it's a Lace Bug is cool, even if we can't ID it down to the species. I don't think I've ever noticed one before, and it certainly was weird looking.

… Elliotte Rusty Harold, 20 August, 2007 - 7:34pm

Good attitude!

I felt the same way when I found my first one. Since then, I've been proud to post and follow-up on an infestation, plus send requested specimens on two species to West VA. Some of my lace bugs may end up in the Smithsonian. When you find and post some new-for-you critter, you never know what advantures can await!

If you find more of these critters, also try to get a shot from the side to show the hood, as such a view can be important for ID purposes.

… Ron Hemberger, 20 August, 2007 - 8:36pm