The Lycorma delicatula, also known as the spotted lanternfly, is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to ecosystems and agriculture. First found in Pennsylvania in 2014, it quickly spread to other states, damaging plants like crops and trees. This insect feeds on plant sap, weakening the plants, making them vulnerable to disease and stress.

The lanternfly also produces a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. This mold blocks sunlight and prevents plants from making food through photosynthesis, harming the plants even more.
Identifying the lanternfly is not difficult. Adult lanternflies have gray wings with brownish backgrounds and black spots. When they open their wings, they show a bright red and black pattern. Their wings fold when they aren’t flying, making them appear duller. The young nymphs are black with white spots and go through several stages before they turn red as they approach adulthood.

These insects use needle-like mouthparts to pierce plants and feed on their fluids. They often target hardwood trees, including maples, grapes, and pears. This feeding depletes the plants’ resources, stunting their growth.
Lanternflies are a significant problem, especially for agriculture. Infestations have caused a drop in the production of crops like grapes, and they also damage trees and plants in cities and suburbs. Their feeding harms the plants, which disrupts the local environment and creates imbalances.
If you spot a lanternfly, it’s important to act quickly. Squashing adults and nymphs helps reduce their numbers. Egg masses, which look like muddy streaks on rocks or trees, should also be scraped off and destroyed using alcohol, hand sanitizer, or bleach.

You should report any sightings to local environmental authorities to help track the spread of the insect. The lanternfly often lays eggs on items like firewood, furniture, or cars, so be sure to check anything moving between states.
Taking action quickly and raising awareness about the spotted lanternfly will help protect our environment and prevent further damage.