The sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata (Say) (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

C. ciliata is a native North American insect which feeds on sycamore trees, especially Platanus occidentalis. Other host plants include Broussonetia papyrifera, Carya ovata, Chamaedaphne sp. and Fraxinus sp. C. ciliata feed on the underside of leaves causing white stippling, which progresses into chlorotic or bronzed foliage and premature leaf senescence. In severe infestations, trees may be defoliated in late summer. Several consecutive years of severe damage may cause tree death. A description of C. ciliata and its life history are given. Several North American parasites and pathogenic fungi attack C. ciliata, but seldom reduce populations enough to prevent significant damage to sycamore trees in the urban areas of Florida, USA. A wide variety of insecticides and application methods are available, but efficacy is often marginal.