Light-dependent

Guides

• Teleonemia scrupulosa

  lantana lace bug

  Teleonemia scrupulosa is a sap-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a specialist herbivore of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) and has been deployed as a biological control agent against this invasive shrub in multiple countries since 1961. The species exhibits strong microhabitat preferences, thriving in high-light environments but failing to establish in shaded conditions. Its feeding causes characteristic chlorotic damage and can severely impair host plant photosynthesis.

  biocontrolinvasive-species-managementTingidaesap-feederhost-specificlight-dependentLantana-camaraSouth-AfricaWestern-GhatsIndia