Azalea Lace Bug

What it looks like

Leaves turn stippled with a yellow-white to bronze, mottled look, kind of like they've been sandblasted. Flip the leaf over and you'll often see small dark speck marks (bug droppings) stuck to the underside.

Often mistaken for: Spider mite damage or general leaf stress from drought/sun

When it shows up in the Triangle

Active in the Triangle from spring through fall, with several overlapping generations starting around April-May and continuing through the season.

Where you’ll see it

Found on azaleas — it's their main host in home landscapes here.

What you can do

• Plant azaleas in part shade rather than full sun
• Keep soil moisture consistent — avoid letting azaleas dry out
• Choose resistant azalea varieties when planting new ones
• Check leaf undersides regularly so you catch problems early
• Prune out heavily damaged growth to reduce populations