Flat Bark Hister Beetle vs Oak Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat Bark Hister Beetle Oak Lace Bug
Scientific Name Hololepta plana Corythucha arcuata
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Histeridae Tingidae
Size 7-10 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern North America North America, Europe (invasive since 2000s)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Flat Bark Hister Beetle

An extremely flattened, disc-like black beetle found under bark of dead trees. Its body is compressed to fit in the narrow space between bark and wood.

💡

Did You Know?

Its body is so flat it can squeeze into gaps less than 2 mm wide to pursue prey under tight-fitting bark.

Oak Lace Bug

A small whitish lace bug with darkened wing markings that feeds on oak trees. It is native to North America but has recently invaded Europe where it has become a serious pest. Heavy infestations can defoliate entire oak stands.

💡

Did You Know?

Since its accidental introduction to Italy around 2000, it has spread across most of southern and central Europe at a rate of about 60 kilometers per year.