Oak Lace Bug vs Pennant Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Lace Bug Pennant Ant
Scientific Name Corythucha arcuata Technomyrmex albipes
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Tingidae Formicidae
Size 3-4 mm 2.5-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions North America, Europe (invasive since 2000s) Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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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.

Pennant Ant

A small dark ant with conspicuous whitish legs that forms long trailing columns up trees. It is a widespread tramp species found throughout the Old World tropics.

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Did You Know?

They are important dispersal agents for certain epiphytic plants whose seeds they carry to tree crevices.