Not a Fan of Bugs? You’re Not Alone
While some insects are beautiful and even fascinating, others can be downright unsettling. Worse, a few can seriously harm not only people but also plants, crops, and animals. Normally, I prefer to leave bugs alone—I’m not one to harm any creature without a reason. But with the lanternfly, or Lycorma delicatula, things are different.
Meet the Lanternfly: An Invasive Pest
If you ever see a lanternfly, get rid of it immediately. My own encounters with these pests were an eye-opener. Clustering on my favorite maple tree, they looked almost beautiful with their colorful wings. But don’t let their charm fool you—these insects cause serious damage. Originally from China, lanternflies arrived in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and have spread rapidly across states, damaging both agriculture and home gardens alike.
The Destruction They Bring
Lanternflies feed on the sap of various plants and trees. This feeding weakens the plants and promotes the growth of sooty mold due to the sticky honeydew they leave behind. The mold blocks photosynthesis, gradually choking the plant. I watched as the vibrant leaves on my maple dulled and turned black as the mold spread, making the damage all too real.
How to Identify a Lanternfly
Spotting lanternflies is essential for controlling their spread. Adults are about an inch long with gray wings covered in black spots, while their hidden underwings are red and black—a vivid flash when they fly. Young nymphs are black with white spots, turning red before they mature.
A Harmful Feeding Process
Lanternflies use a needle-like mouthpart to pierce plants and draw out sap. This feeding method allows them to tap directly into the plant’s nutrient channels, draining its energy efficiently. Watching them work on my plants was both fascinating and disturbing—a clear reminder of the harm they can do.
