The upper leaf surface becomes discolored and the lower surface becomes littered with excrement. These small, flattened insects live and feed on the underside of leaves. Heavily infested leaves turn brown and fall off. Nymphs and adults reach their highest populations in August. There are two generations per year.
Winter is spent in the adult stage among leaf litter.
In the spring, eggs are laid in groups of 4-10 on the lower surfaces of leaves in the axils of veins. Nymphs, which are dark brown, molt five times before reaching adulthood. Control measures are not usually required for lace bugs on trees. Drooz, A.T. 1985. Insects of Eastern Forests .