Reticulate-wings
Guides
Tingidae
Lace Bugs
Tingidae, commonly known as lace bugs, is a family of minute true bugs (Hemiptera) comprising approximately 2,000 described species worldwide. Adults range from 2–10 mm in body length and are immediately recognizable by their ornate, reticulated forewings and pronotal expansions that create a delicate lace-like appearance. The family exhibits complete phytophagy, with species typically specialized to particular host plants or closely related plant groups. Tingidae undergo hemimetabolous development with five distinct nymphal instars preceding the adult stage. Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental plants, trees, and agricultural crops, while others have been employed as biological control agents against invasive weeds.