Leptodictya plana

Heidemann, 1913

Grass Lacebug

Leptodictya plana is a grass-feeding lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) first described in 1913. It has been documented as an emerging pest on ornamental grasses in the southern United States, with Pennisetum showing particular susceptibility to feeding damage and serving as oviposition . The species remains seldom collected despite its economic relevance to horticulture.

Leptodictya plana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptodictya plana: //ˌlɛptoʊˈdɪktiə ˈpleɪnə//

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Identification

Lace bugs in the Leptodictya can be distinguished from other tingids by their association with grasses rather than woody plants. Specific diagnostic characters for L. plana relative to require examination of pronotal and hemelytral reticulation patterns. The is rarely encountered in collections, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection due to preferences.

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Habitat

Associated with grass-dominated environments including ornamental plantings and natural grasslands. Greenhouse studies indicate establishment on potted ornamental grasses.

Distribution

Documented from Central America and North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and Kansas. Specific new distribution records were reported in a 2007 study, though exact localities were not detailed in available excerpts.

Diet

Phloem feeder on grasses. No-choice feeding studies demonstrated that Pennisetum sustained the highest damage levels and were the only supporting oviposition. Acorus, Cordyline, and Panicum species exhibited comparatively lower damage susceptibility.

Host Associations

Pennisetum purpureum - primary - supports feeding damage and ovipositionhighest susceptibility among tested grasses
Pennisetum spp. - primary - supports feeding damage and ovipositiononly supporting oviposition in greenhouse trials
Acorus spp. - secondary - low susceptibilityminimal damage in feeding trials
Cordyline spp. - secondary - low susceptibilityminimal damage in feeding trials
Panicum spp. - secondary - low susceptibilityminimal damage in feeding trials

Human Relevance

Emerging pest in southern U.S. horticulture, particularly affecting ornamental grass production. Damage manifests as characteristic stippling from phloem feeding. No plants tested showed complete resistance, complicating management recommendations.

Similar Taxa

Other Leptodictya speciescongeneric lace bugs share general grass-feeding habit but differ in specific associations and geographic distribution; precise identification requires examination of reticulation patterns
Stephanitis and Corythucha lace bugscommon ornamental pests but associated with woody plants rather than grasses; differ in plant