Why You Must Act Fast if You Spot the Spotted Lanternfly
A Fast-Spreading Invasive Thr**t
The Lycorma delicatula, also known as the spotted lanternfly, is an invasive insect posing serious threats to ecosystems and agriculture. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, it spread rapidly across several states, leaving a trail of damaged crops, trees, and plants.
Originally from Asia, this pest quickly adapted to the U.S. environment. Once it arrives in an area, it multiplies fast—infesting and harming a wide range of plant life.
How Lanternflies Damage Plants
Lanternflies feed by piercing plants with needle-like mouthparts and extracting sap. This feeding weakens host plants, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases and environmental stress.
Worse still, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold. This black fungus blocks sunlight and disrupts photosynthesis, further harming plant health.
What They Look Like: Easy to Identify
Spotting a lanternfly is relatively easy thanks to its unique appearance:
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Adults have grayish-brown wings covered with black spots and bright red and black underwings.
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They grow to about one inch long and wide.
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When at rest, their folded wings make them look duller and more camouflaged.
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Nymphs (young lanternflies) are black with white spots. As they mature, they turn bright red before becoming adults.
Preferred Targets: What They Eat
Lanternflies attack a wide range of plants. Their top targets include:
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Hardwood trees like maples
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Fruit trees such as grapes and pears
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Crops including hops and others
Their constant feeding drains plants of energy and reduces growth. Infestations in vineyards, in particular, have significantly lowered grape production.
Bigger Than a Garden Pest
The damage goes beyond gardens and farms. These insects also:
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Stress and k*ll ornamental trees in cities and suburbs
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Disrupt natural ecosystems by outcompeting native species
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Throw off biodiversity, impacting birds, insects, and other wildlife
They’ve become a full-blown thr**t to both urban and rural environments.
What To Do If You See One
If you spot a spotted lanternfly, act immediately. Here’s how:
1. Sq*ash It
K*ll any lanternfly—adult or nymph—you see. Reducing their numbers helps slow their spread.
2. Destroy Egg Masses
Look for mud-like smears on outdoor surfaces such as trees, rocks, furniture, or vehicles. Scrape these into a jar filled with alcohol, bleach, or hand sanitizer to ensure they’re destroyed.
3. Report the Sighting
Notify your local agriculture or environmental agency. Your report helps track the spread and supports coordinated eradication efforts.
4. Inspect Outdoor Items
Before moving objects like firewood, furniture, or cars, check for eggs. This is especially important when traveling between states, as eggs often go unnoticed and hatch later.
Stopping the Spread Starts With You
The lanternfly problem won’t go away on its own. These pests travel easily on goods, vehicles, and materials. The only way to stop them is through community awareness and fast action.
Every person who identifies, destroys, and reports a lanternfly helps protect natural resources and preserve healthy ecosystems.
Final Reminder: Don’t Wait
The first step to solving a problem is knowing it exists. If you see a lanternfly, eliminate it immediately and report it. Together, we can reduce the damage and keep our environment thriving.
