Azalea lace bug

Azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), belongs to a group of insects in the family Tingidae. The insects in this family generally live and feed on the underside of leaves. They have thin lacy outgrowths on their thorax, and have delicate lace-like forewings. The adult lace bug is 3 x 1.5 mm (~ 1/10 inch) long and cream-colored. The netted lacy wings, marked with black or brown patches, are held flat over the body with outer margins extending beyond the body outline. Unless observed closely, the small size and transparent wings make it less apparent. When observed under a hand lens, a characteristic hood can be seen over the head.