Azalea lace bugs are common sucking insects that occur on many trees and shrubs, injuring foliage and detracting from the plants’ beauty; high numbers of lace bugs cause plant stress or even death.
This introduced pest, native to Japan, was first detected in New Jersey in 1915. It spread quickly to other mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. S. pyrioides was confirmed in 2008 in Washington State and 2009 in Oregon.
Azalea lace bugs feed on both evergreen and deciduous azaleas and rhododendrons. Damage on rhododendrons appears to be more severe than the damage reported from rhododendron lace bug (S. rhododendri).
Photo credits: Tracy Wootten, University of Delaware; Jason Sharman, Vitalitree; Pest and Diseases Image Library; Jim Baker, North Carolina State University | Bugwood.org
Explore the February 2017 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Nursery Management
- Hoffmann Family of Companies acquires Smith Gardens, Pacific Plug & Liner
- The funnel to freedom
- Applications now open for American Floral Endowment graduate scholarships
- The social sales engine
- New SustainaGuides on lighting and water conservation from Sustainabloom available
- Get to know Brian Kemble
- Meet the All-America Selections AAS winners for 2026
- Marshall Dirks announces retirement after 27 years with Proven Winners brand
