Rhododendron Lace Bug vs Western Boxelder Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rhododendron Lace Bug | Western Boxelder Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stephanitis rhododendri | Boisea rubrolineata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Tingidae | Rhopalidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Europe | Western North America |
| 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.
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.
Western Boxelder Bug
A red and black bug very similar to the eastern boxelder bug but found in western North America. It forms large overwintering aggregations on buildings and fences near boxelder trees. It is a nuisance pest but causes no structural damage.
Did You Know?
When crushed, it stains fabrics and surfaces with a reddish-orange dye from its body fluids, which is why it should be vacuumed rather than squashed when found indoors.