The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect rapidly spreading across parts of the United States. Originating from Asia, this planthopper is easily recognizable by its distinctive appearance, including gray, black-spotted forewings and bright red hindwings visible when in flight. Its presence has raised questions about whether this new arrival poses a direct threat, such as being poisonous, to humans or pets.
Are They Poisonous? The Direct Answer
Spotted lanternflies are not poisonous to humans or common household pets through touch or ingestion. They do not bite or sting, lacking the mouthparts or venom delivery systems to cause such harm. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing plants and sucking sap, and cannot penetrate human or animal skin.
There is no scientific evidence that spotted lanternflies contain toxins harmful to mammals. Pets ingesting these insects might experience mild digestive upset, such as temporary stomach upset or drooling. This is generally attributed to consuming any insect with a tough exoskeleton, rather than specific lanternfly toxins. This does not translate to toxicity for humans or pets.
Understanding Their True Impact
While not directly poisonous, spotted lanternflies cause significant harm through their feeding habits, primarily affecting agriculture and native ecosystems. They feed on the sap of over 70 different plant species, including economically important crops like grapes, hops, and fruit trees, as well as various hardwood trees. This feeding weakens plants, depleting their stored sugars and leading to reduced vigor, stunted growth, and plant death, particularly for grapevines.
As they feed, spotted lanternflies excrete sugary, sticky honeydew. This honeydew coats surfaces beneath infested plants, attracting nuisance insects like wasps and ants. It also promotes the growth of black sooty mold, which covers leaves and stems. This mold blocks sunlight, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, stressing the plant, and affecting fruit quality and marketability.
Identification and What to Do
Identifying spotted lanternflies at various life stages is important for managing their spread. Egg masses, laid from September to December, are typically 1 to 1.5 inches long, mud-like, and are often found on trees, rocks, vehicles, or outdoor furniture. Nymphs, which hatch in spring, are wingless; early instars are black with white spots, while later instars develop red patches. Adult spotted lanternflies, about an inch long, appear from July until the first hard freeze, showcasing gray, black-spotted forewings and striking red and black hindwings.
Upon encountering a spotted lanternfly, kill it by stomping or crushing it. If you find egg masses, scrape them off the surface and destroy them, often by placing them in a sealed bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Reporting sightings, especially in new areas or outside established quarantine zones, is a valuable step. This information helps agricultural authorities track their spread and implement management strategies to protect local ecosystems and industries.