Geniculatus Kissing Bug vs Azalea Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Geniculatus Kissing Bug Azalea Lace Bug
Scientific Name Panstrongylus geniculatus Stephanitis pyrioides
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Tingidae
Size 26-30 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Central America, South America East Asia, North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Geniculatus Kissing Bug

A large, widespread triatomine found from Mexico to Argentina that typically inhabits armadillo burrows. It has been implicated in oral outbreaks of Chagas disease via contaminated food.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly attracted to light and frequently invades homes near forested areas at night.

Azalea Lace Bug

A tiny lace bug with beautifully ornate, net-veined wings that is a major pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. Native to East Asia, it has become established in North America and Europe. Feeding causes white stippling on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Females insert their eggs into leaf tissue and cover them with a dark varnish-like substance, making them nearly invisible to predators.