About Stephanitis takeyai Drake & Maa, 1955
Andromeda lace bug, known by the scientific name Stephanitis takeyai, is a pest insect that feeds on plants in the genus Pieris. It targets Pieris japonica, the Japanese andromeda, in particular. This insect originated in Japan along with its host plant, but it has since been introduced to other regions around the world. At least one species in the genus Pieris, Pieris floribunda, is resistant to this bug. Adult andromeda lace bugs reach approximately 3 millimeters in length. They have a characteristic rounded pronotum, lacy wings patterned in black and white, and distinct shiny gold highlighting. Feeding by this bug causes mottling on plant leaves. Heavy infestations can lead to extensive leaf drop, which stunts the affected plant's growth. Both nymph and adult andromeda lace bugs damage leaves by piercing the tissue to suck out plant juices. They also leave dark frass deposits on the undersides of damaged leaves. Damage from this pest is most severe on plants growing in full sun.
