The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an insect native to parts of China, India, and Vietnam. This planthopper was first identified in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, likely arriving on imported goods. Since its initial detection, it has spread across numerous states in North America, establishing itself as an invasive pest. The spotted lanternfly poses a significant threat to agricultural industries, including vineyards, orchards, and timber, as well as to native ecosystems. Understanding its egg-laying habits is important for effective management.
Quantity of Eggs Laid
A female spotted lanternfly demonstrates considerable reproductive capacity, laying multiple eggs within protective masses. Each individual egg mass typically contains between 30 to 50 eggs. A single female can produce one or two egg masses during her reproductive season. This high number of eggs per female contributes significantly to the rapid spread and establishment of populations, making them a formidable invasive species.
Where and When Eggs Are Laid
Spotted lanternflies exhibit a broad preference for where they deposit their eggs, selecting various surfaces that offer protection. They commonly lay egg masses on trees, including their bark and the undersides of branches. Other frequently chosen locations include rocks, outdoor furniture, grills, and firewood. They also lay eggs on vehicles and other smooth, vertical surfaces like fences and walls. This adaptability in egg-laying sites allows for easy accidental transport of egg masses by humans, contributing to their spread.
Egg-laying primarily occurs from late summer through late fall, typically between September and December in affected regions. The eggs survive the colder months, overwintering on the surfaces where they were laid. Hatching then commences in the spring, generally in late April or early May, as temperatures begin to rise. This synchronized hatching allows a new generation of nymphs to emerge when host plants are actively growing.
Identifying and Removing Egg Masses
Recognizing spotted lanternfly egg masses is a practical step in managing their populations. Freshly laid egg masses appear as a grayish or yellowish-brown patch, resembling a smear of mud or putty. They are often covered with a waxy, protective coating that may initially seem wet or sticky. These masses are typically around one to one and a half inches long and can be found on a wide array of outdoor surfaces.
As the egg masses age, their appearance changes, becoming duller, browner, or tan, and the waxy covering may crack, resembling dried mud. Over time, the coating can wear away completely, revealing individual, seed-like eggs arranged in rows. To remove these masses, a firm, flat object like a credit card, putty knife, or even a stick can be used to scrape them off the surface. Apply pressure while scraping to crush the eggs, often accompanied by an audible pop.
Once scraped, the egg masses should be placed into a sealed bag or container containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to ensure their destruction. This method effectively kills the eggs and prevents them from hatching. The sealed bag can then be disposed of in the trash. Reporting any sightings, especially new infestations, to local agricultural or extension services helps track and control their spread.