This work was done to better understand the lace bug Leptoypha mutica Say (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and its potential for biological control of Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense Lour (Oleaceae). L. mutica host utilization of Chinese privet was confirmed in a no choice test. In choice tests with plant species Chinese privet, swamp privet (Foresteria acuminata Michx), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh) L. mutica preferred green ash. The duration of development of L. mutica on Chinese privet from egg to adult ranged from 24.4 to 57.1 days at the temperatures: 20oC, 24oC, 28oC, and 32oC. Estimated threshold temperatures (To) and calculated thermal unit requirements (K) for development of egg, nymphal, and complete development were 11.0oC, 9.9oC, 10.5oC and 211.9, 326.8, 527.4 degree-days (DD). The only suspected specific Leptoypha spp. natural enemy found was a mymarid wasp, but was not concluded to be limiting factor for L. hospitas success.
