Beware the Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy numerous species of fruit, nut, and hardwood trees in North America. It first appeared in Pennsylvania and is spreading to other states, attracted by another invasive species: tree of heaven. Here’s what to know about this destructive insect:

What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper indigenous to China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and South Korea. In 2014 it hitched a ride on a shipment to Berks County, Pennsylvania. Authorities initially thought the insect could not survive the Northeast’s cold winters.

However, not only did it survive, but it has since advanced into New Jersey and Virginia. Although the insect is no threat to people, pets, or livestock, it most definitely is a threat to a large number of plants, including grapevines, hops, and many hardwood trees including apple, walnut, maple, birch, and willow.

What Does It Look Like?

In September, female spotted lanternflies lay egg masses that each contain 30 to 50 eggs. These egg masses may appear on trees or fence posts, patio furniture, vehicles, barbecue grills, and just about any other outdoor surface. The adults then die, but the eggs — protected by a gray mud-like coating — overwinter to hatch in June.

After hatch, the insects go through five stages of growth. Nymphs in the first stage are black with white spots, and about the size of a pencil eraser. The next two stages look similar, only progressively larger. In the fourth nymph stage, just before they reach maturity, they’re about ½” long and bright red with black stripes and white spots. Nymphs in these first four stages can’t fly, but they sure can jump.

In the fifth, adult, stage an insect at rest is about 1″ long and ½” wide with black spotted gray wings. The upper wings open to reveal bright red underwings.

All stages are distinctive, and are all actually quite pretty for such a dreadful pest. To help with identification, the Pennsylvania State University offers a free PDF download.

Why Is It So Bad?

Swarms of spotted lanternflies pierce through tree bark to suck out sap. Their serious damage causes oozing sap, leaf curl, wilting, and dieback. Further, as the insects feed, they excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold, a type of fungi that causes additional damage to plants.

Although it is not harmful to humans, the sticky honeydew, followed by black mold, coats anything below, including plants, vehicles, decks, patio furniture, and outdoor play equipment. As if that’s not enough, the sweet honeydew attracts wasps and other pesky insects.

Spotted lanternflies are especially attracted to tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), another invasive species from China introduced by immigrants into Pennsylvania in 1784. It has since spread throughout much of the United States and Canada. My guess is that if the insect isn’t eradicated, it will continue to advance across North America, the same way tree of heaven did.

Although these leafhoppers sometimes swarm into the air, they can’t fly far. They can, however, and often do hitch a ride on unsuspecting goods and vehicles passing through. Egg masses are especially problematic, because they may be laid on just about any surface, including cars, trucks, trailers, and railroad cars.

Can We Stop the Spotted Lanternfly?

Areas where these insects have been identified are under state quarantine, designed to stop their spread. Quarantine affects vehicles, plants, building materials, recreational and camping gear, and all outdoor household items.

Citizens living within quarantined areas must inspect all items, including wood and vegetation, they plan to move from the area, as well as any vehicles used to transport the goods. They must also obtain a permit before transporting goods outside the area. Other guidelines call for not parking along a tree line, and keeping windows rolled up while parked.

If you see spotted lanternflies or egg masses within a quarantined area, destroy them. Outside a quarantined area, report your find, either online or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. Additionally, scrape off any suspected egg mass and preserved it in alcohol or hand sanitizer. Alternatively, at least snap a photo so authorities can verify your find.

Imagine what life would be without apples and maple syrup, not to mention beer and wine. So let’s all keep our eyes peeled for the spotted lanternfly, and help keep it from migrating into our areas.