Skip to main content

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Sycamore lacebugs

Corythucha ciliata

Natural History

Adult sycamore lacebug
Adult sycamore lacebug
Photo credit: Bugwood.org

Sycamore lacebug (Corythucha ciliata) is a tiny lacebug that feeds only on the undersides of sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) leaves. Damage to levaes appears as stippling in early summer and progresses to bronzing or chlorosis. Severe infestations cause defoliation and sometimes decline of trees. The insect is common throughout Florida. No control is commonly practiced.