Rhododendron Lace Bug vs Negro Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rhododendron Lace Bug Negro Bug
Scientific Name Stephanitis rhododendri Thyreocoris scarabaeoides
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Tingidae Thyreocoridae
Size 3-4 mm 3-4mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rhododendron Lace Bug

A tiny lace bug with transparent, reticulate wings that infests rhododendron leaves. Native to North America, it causes silvery stippling on upper leaf surfaces and dark excrement spots beneath. Severe infestations reduce plant vigor.

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Did You Know?

Adults and nymphs always feed on the undersides of leaves, creating a distinctive pattern of dark tar-like fecal spots that serves as a key diagnostic sign of infestation.

Negro Bug

A tiny shiny black hemispherical bug that looks like a miniature beetle. It feeds on violets and strawberries.

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Did You Know?

So strongly resembles a tiny beetle that it is frequently misidentified and overlooked by bug enthusiasts.