The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species native to Asia that poses a persistent threat across the eastern United States. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, this planthopper has rapidly spread, causing concern for agricultural and ornamental plants. As temperatures drop, one stage dies off, leaving behind the next generation ready to emerge in the spring.
Seasonal Appearance and Life Cycle
The annual return of the Spotted Lanternfly begins with the overwintering egg masses, which are laid by females in the fall, typically from September through the first killing freeze. These masses, which contain 30 to 50 eggs and are covered with a waxy, mud-like substance, can be found on nearly any outdoor hard surface. Hatching occurs over an extended period in the spring, generally starting in late April and continuing through June.
The newly emerged young are nymphs, which progress through four distinct stages, or instars, before reaching adulthood. The first three instars, visible from May through July, are small, wingless, and black with bright white spots. By mid-summer, usually in July, they molt into the fourth instar, a larger, more conspicuous stage that develops a striking red coloration alongside the black and white spots.
Adult Spotted Lanternflies, the most recognizable stage, begin to appear in July and remain active until December. These insects are approximately one inch long, displaying black-spotted, grayish-pink outer wings that reveal bright red and black hindwings when startled. The adults are the mobile, reproductive stage and are responsible for mating and laying the egg masses that start the cycle over again.
Current Geographic Status and Quarantines
The invasive planthopper has expanded its range significantly since its initial detection, now establishing populations in nearly 20 states and the District of Columbia. This spread is primarily driven by the pest’s ability to “hitchhike,” moving long distances inadvertently on items transported by humans. The insect lays its camouflaged egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture, firewood, and shipping materials, allowing it to be transported far beyond its natural dispersal range.
To slow this rapid movement, state and federal agricultural agencies have established regulated areas, often referred to as quarantine zones. These zones restrict the movement of certain items, such as nursery stock, logs, and outdoor equipment, which are considered “regulated articles.” Businesses and individuals moving these items out of a quarantine zone often require a permit or inspection.
Many states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, have repeatedly expanded their quarantine boundaries as new, reproducing populations are confirmed. Residents traveling within or out of these areas are asked to conduct thorough inspections of their vehicles and any outdoor items they may be transporting. Compliance with these regulations is a mechanism to protect uninfested regions from the devastating economic impact this pest can cause.
Identifying the Threat and Mechanism of Damage
The Spotted Lanternfly is considered a serious agricultural and environmental threat because of its feeding habits and broad host range of over 70 plant species. Both nymphs and adults possess piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to tap into the phloem tissue of plants to feed on sugary sap. This continuous sap-feeding weakens the host, leading to stress, reduced growth, wilting, and, in some cases, the eventual death of the plant.
The insect shows a strong preference for economically significant plants, including grapevines, hops, and stone fruit trees, as well as forest hardwoods like maple and black walnut. Its preferred host, however, is the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which often serves as a central hub for adult populations.
As the lanternfly feeds, it excretes large quantities of a sticky, sugary liquid called “honeydew.” This honeydew accumulates on the host plant and surrounding objects, attracting other insects and promoting the growth of a black, crusty fungus known as sooty mold. The mold coats the leaves of plants, significantly reducing their ability to photosynthesize. This secondary damage compounds the stress on the host plant and can make outdoor spaces unusable and messy.
Actionable Steps for Citizen Management
The public plays an important role in managing the Spotted Lanternfly, starting with the destruction of overwintering egg masses. From September through May, look for the mud-like masses on trees, rocks, retaining walls, and outdoor equipment, and scrape them off using a putty knife or stiff card. The scraped masses must be destroyed by placing them into a plastic bag or container filled with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Throughout the spring and summer, actively crush any nymphs and adults encountered, an action that can significantly reduce the local population. For property owners with high infestations, tree-banding traps can be used on trunks to capture climbing nymphs, but these bands must be checked regularly and covered with a screen to prevent the accidental capture of non-target wildlife. The removal of the preferred host, the Tree of Heaven, can also help make a property less attractive to the pest.
Reporting sightings is important, particularly if the insect is found outside of an established quarantine zone. State and university extension services track these reports to determine the pest’s spread and prioritize management efforts. When traveling out of an infested area, remember to thoroughly inspect and remove any lanternflies or egg masses from your vehicle and outdoor items to avoid inadvertently transporting the pest.