NATIVE RANGE: North America

FIRST FINDING IN SLOVENIA: 2016

PATHWAYS: transported with saplings of the host plants

POSSIBLE TO FIND: April – September

FLIGHT SEASON OF ADULTS: April – September

DESCRIPTION: A square-shaped, creamy-white lace bug, 3 mm long and 1 mm wide. The body is dorsoventrally flattened. The elytra are transparent with a lace-like texture and several brown or black spots. The nymphs are blackish and covered with numerous small spines. They live on the underside of oak leaves, where they suck the sap of plant cells. Damaged leaves develop pale patches and in severe infestations these dry out and are shed prematurely. As a result of this damage, young trees in particular may become weakened and their growth slows and in some cases this may impede forest rejuvenation. Oak lace bugs overwinter as adults in cracks in the bark.

HABITAT: On oaks (Quercus spp.) in natural habitats, tree nurseries, plantations and in urban areas.

STATUS: Mainly in southern Europe, spreading quickly northwards and westwards. In Slovenia found in a few locations in the Southeastern part of the country.

SIMILAR SPECIES: The sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) is very similar and these species cannot be reliably distinguished with the naked eye. However, the oak lace bug is found on oaks and the sycamore lace bug on plane trees.

SOURCE: Field Guide to Invasive Alien Species in European Forests