What is the Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species that poses significant ecological and economic risks. Since arriving in Pennsylvania from China in 2014, it has spread across parts of North America, feeding on a wide range of plants, including fruit trees like apples, cherries, and grapes, as well as hardwoods such as maple and walnut. Over time, this feeding can severely weaken and even kill plants.
The lanternfly also produces a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, further harming the plants.
What Do They Look Like?
In late summer to fall, the spotted lanternfly lays eggs in masses of 30 to 50, covered in a waxy, mud-like coating. These masses start out light gray or brown and darken as they age.
When they hatch, the nymphs are black with white spots. As they grow, they turn bright red with black borders and white dots. Once they reach adulthood, they are about one inch long, with grayish forewings marked by black spots. Their underwings are red with black spots, edged with white.
