Lantana Lace Bug: Identifying and Managing the Cause of Brown, Crispy Leaves

Symptoms

• Leaves turn grayish-brown, crispy.
• Undersides look "peppered" with black dots (excrement).
• Tiny insects on leaf undersides.

The Pest: Lantana Lace Bug

Small, lace-winged insects that suck sap from leaf undersides. By the time damage is obvious, populations are huge.

Late-Season Reality

• Too many to spray effectively now.
• Damaged leaves won't recover.

Next Year's Plan

1. Monitor in June for first generation.
2. Spray garden insecticide immediately upon detection.
3. Early control prevents summer collapse.