If you’ve recently noticed a colorful, spotted insect on your property, you might be looking at the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). While it may look harmless or even beautiful with its distinctive gray wings dotted with black and splashes of red and yellow, this pest is far from innocent. The Spotted Lanternfly is a serious threat to agriculture, forests, and even your backyard plants. Here’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and follow specific steps if you spot this insect.
What is a Spotted Lanternfly?
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to Asia, particularly China, India, and Vietnam. It was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania and has since spread to multiple states, causing significant damage to crops, trees, and various plant species. This pest feeds on the sap of plants, weakening them and making them susceptible to disease and other pests.
The Spotted Lanternfly has a distinct appearance, making it relatively easy to identify:
- Wings: Grayish with black spots; when wings are open, you can see the bright red hindwings.
- Body: The body is black with white spots, and the legs and head are black.
- Size: It can grow up to 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide.
Why You Should Kill It Immediately
The Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious risk to a wide range of plants, including fruit trees (like apples and peaches), grapevines, hops, and hardwood trees. It feeds by sucking sap from the stems and leaves, which can lead to wilting, dieback, and even the death of the plant. Furthermore, it excretes a sugary substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold—a black, unsightly fungus that can cover plants and inhibit photosynthesis.
This pest’s ability to reproduce rapidly makes it even more dangerous. Each female Spotted Lanternfly can lay up to 50 eggs in a single mass, which she can hide in crevices of trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, and even vehicles, aiding its spread.
Steps to Take if You Spot a Spotted Lanternfly:
