The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an insect native to China and Vietnam, classified as a planthopper. It was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, likely arriving via imported goods. Since its initial discovery, this species has become invasive across many states, posing significant threats to agriculture and various plant species.
Do Lanternflies Jump?
Spotted lanternflies are capable jumpers, a primary mode of locomotion for both nymphs and adult stages. They possess powerful hind legs that facilitate impressive leaps relative to their size. High-speed video analysis reveals these insects achieve rapid take-off speeds of 2.7 to 3.4 meters per second, and accelerations ranging from 800 to 1000 meters per second squared, through quick extensions of their hind legs.
During a jump, the lanternfly’s mid-air trajectory is consistent with ballistic motion, meaning it follows a predictable arc without active steering or significant drag forces. Nymphs, in particular, have been observed to jump as far as 9 feet. After launching, they reorient themselves in the air, allowing them to land successfully on varied surfaces and maintain an upright position.
Why Lanternflies Jump
The primary reasons spotted lanternflies jump relate to defense and efficient short-distance travel. This behavior serves as an effective escape mechanism, allowing them to quickly evade perceived threats or predators and enhance their chances of survival.
Jumping also aids in their daily movements as they search for food and suitable habitats. It enables them to move swiftly between plants or across surfaces, contributing to their dispersal within an area. This is particularly important in their nymphal stages when flight is not yet developed.
Other Ways Lanternflies Move
Beyond jumping, spotted lanternflies employ other methods of movement. Nymphs, which are wingless, frequently walk or crawl to navigate their environment and locate host plants for feeding. They often crawl to ascend trees in search of higher limbs, which offers protection from ground-level predators.
Adult lanternflies are capable of flight but are not strong or frequent flyers. When they fly, they launch from elevated points, such as trees, and rely on wind currents to assist their travel, covering an average of 75 feet per flight. Despite their limited natural flight capabilities, human activity, particularly through hitchhiking on vehicles and goods, is a significant factor in their long-distance spread and invasion of new areas.