Dictyla

Stål, 1874

lace bugs

Species Guides

3

Dictyla is a of lace bugs ( Tingidae) comprising at least 80 described . Members are phytophagous, feeding on plant sap and often causing chlorotic damage to foliage. Several species have been studied as potential agents for plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution including Palearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions.

Dictyla litotes by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Dictyla eudia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Dictyla eudia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dictyla: /ˈdɪktɪlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

are associated with diverse plants including herbaceous plants and trees. Dictyla echii occurs in areas with Echium vulgare, with in soil near host plant rosettes. Dictyla monotropidia inhabits laurel trees (Cordia alliodora) in forest and agricultural settings.

Distribution

Palearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Specific records include: southwestern Québec and southeastern Ontario, Canada; northeastern United States; Denmark, Norway, Sweden; and Antioquia department, Colombia.

Diet

Phloem sap from plants. and nymphs feed on rosettes, stems, and flower shoots, causing chlorotic foliage and stunted growth.

Host Associations

  • Echium vulgare - primary Boraginaceae; for D. echii
  • Cordia alliodora - primary Boraginaceae; for D. monotropidia

Life Cycle

Development includes and five nymphal instars before adulthood. Dictyla monotropidia completes egg-to- development in approximately 44-46 days at 22°C: eggs 15.5-24 days, nymphal stage 21-29 days. Dictyla echii is , as adults in soil in reproductive .

Behavior

Females of D. monotropidia deposit in single groups averaging 45 eggs on the main leaf undersurface and guard eggs until hatching. Nymphs remain aggregated on leaf undersurfaces until adulthood. of D. echii overwinter in soil near rosettes in reproductive .

Ecological Role

Herbivores that can significantly impact plant health. Dictyla monotropidia is considered a major pest of laurel trees in Colombia. Some are under investigation as agents for plants such as (Echium plantagineum).

Human Relevance

Dictyla monotropidia is a significant pest of laurel trees (Cordia alliodora) in Colombian forestry, causing premature leaf death and drop. Dictyla echii and D. nassata have been evaluated as potential agents for Echium .

Sources and further reading