University of Maryland Extension

Eggplant Lace bug - Vegetables

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Whitening of eggplant leaves

damaged eggplant leaf caused by lacebugs
Eggplant lace bug damage and signs of the insects on the underside
of a leaf

Appearance 

  • The lace bugs themselves are not that noticeable but their feeding damage is. 
  • They are dark brown around the head and have lacey, well-veined wings.

eggplant lacebugs on the underside of leaf
Eggplant lace bugs on the underside of an eggplant leaf

Life Cycle/Habits

  • Adults overwinter in nearby weeds and garden debris. They become active in May.
  • Females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves. Adults develop quickly and disperse to nearby plants.
  • Potentially multiple generations per season.

Host Plants

  • This lace bug feeds on eggplant primarily but is also occasionally found on other members of the Solanaceae family- tomato, potato, etc. 

Signs/Symptoms

  • Whitening of eggplant leaves.

Monitoring

  • Inspect plants closely, especially the undersides of the leaves, for signs of this pest if leaves become stippled or begin to fade and lose their green color. 

Prevention/Control

  • Apply ultra-fine horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control damaging populations of this occasional pest. Be sure to direct the spray to the upper and lower leaf surfaces.

 

Section: 
Home and Garden Information Center
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