Andromeda Lacebug - Stephanitis takeyai

Length about 4 mm. Semi-transparent with a dark ladder pattern.

Another introduced species, Stephanitis rhododendri also feeds on Rhododendron and is found locally in southern England, it is similar in size and shape, but has mainly pale wings with a narrow brownish band near the base. 

Can be identified from good quality photographs, preferable one from directly above and one from the side. 

Parks and gardens where the host plants occur.

Adult: June to November at least.

There are several generations per year, the bug overwintering as eggs. It is native to Japan, where it feeds on Pieris japonica and has been introduced into the USA and Europe via the plant trade. As well as Pieris, it also uses Rhododendron and azaleas as hostplants and is regarded as a pest in ornamental gardens.

This species is a fairly recent arrival in the UK and was first recorded in 1998. Found mainly in south-east England but perhaps more widely now.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.