The Intricate Sycamore Lace Bug

The Sycamore Lace Bug (Corythucha ciliata) looks like a cross between a doyly and a bug. The intricate lace pattern gives it a demure, innocent look… however, this is far from the truth. 

The creature feeds on the underside of sycamore tree leaves, sucking out the fluids first near the leaves’ veins and eventually draining them entirely so they prematurely fall off. Sometimes, if the weather is dry (a favorite atmosphere for Sycamore Lace Bugs) and there is a severe infestation, whole trees can lose their leaves by late summer.

They’re very pretty, but also pretty annoying for sycamore trees, unfortunately!

Thanks to Travis Farwell for recommending this super cool insect!