Spotted Lanternfly
Image credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org
Image credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
Identification
- Early nymphs have black bodies with bright white spots. Fourth instar nymphs are red, black, and white about 1/2 inch long.
- Adults have hind wings with red patches, and gray forewings with black spots and veins. When folded, only the forewings are visible and provide camouflage against tree bark.
Reasons for Control
- Nymphs and adults prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feed on a wide range of fruits, crops, including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, ornamental landscape plants, and many tree species.
Control Notes
- Check outdoor items, bricks, stone, tree of heaven for spotted lanternfly egg masses. Scrape any egg masses into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer, then zip the bag shut and dispose of it properly.
- Contact insecticide may be used for adults and nymphs.