Spotted Lantern Fly
Spotted
lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest from Asia that feeds on a variety
of plants including grapes, hops, and maple trees, posing a severe
threat to NYS forests and agriculture (more info).
SLF's preferred host plant, Tree-of-heaven (TOH), is already found in
much of the state. SLF was first found in PA in 2014, and several populations have since been found in NY. Agencies
and conservation partners across the state are working to protect our
state resources from these invasives, and we are requesting help from
volunteers to complement these efforts. While its list of hosts is large, the greatest agricultural concern falls on grapes, hops, apples,
blueberries, and stone fruits.
Concern
There is great concern about its effect on vineyards, orchards, and hardwood trees. Its presence has led to crop loss, exporting issues, and increased management costs. Spotted lanternfly eggs are laid on practically any hard surface, including tree trunks, stones and metal. Because of this, egg masses may be transported unknowingly. Spotted lanternfly nymphs are able to feed on many hosts, while adults prefer certain trees such as Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra),
Maples (Acer spp.), and Grapevines (Vitis spp.). Furthermore, abundant excretions of sticky honeydew by swarms feeding on shade trees, and the associated growth of sooty mold, can restrict people’s enjoyment of parks and their own backyards.
Description
Spotted lanternfly adults are very colorful when their interior hind wings are displayed. The hind wings are red with black spots. They have a black head, and a yellow abdomen with black bands. Their beige-gray forewings have also black spots and a distinctive black brick-like pattern on the tips. There is one generation per year, with adults developing in the summer, laying eggs in the late summer through fall, and overwintering as eggs. Each egg mass normally contains 30-50 eggs which are laid in rows and
usually covered in a waxy substance. The first nymphs to hatch from the eggs in the spring are wingless, black, and have white spots, while the final nymph stage turns red before becoming winged adults. Adult males are slightly smaller than the inch-long females, but are almost identical
in appearance. Adults and nymphs commonly gather in large numbers on host plants to feed, and are easiest to see at dusk or at night.
Damage
This planthopper is able to feed using specialized mouthparts that can pierce the plant and suck up sap. Both nymphs and adults feed this way, on leaves, stems, and trunks. Spotted lanternflies also excrete honeydew while feeding, which, over time, may encourage the growth of sooty mold. Piercing the plant’s tissues and feeding on the sap weakens the plant, sometimes causing it to ooze and weep, which may result in a fermenting odor and a gray/black trail on the bark. The presence of the fermenting odor and honeydew may also attract other insects. Spotted lanternfly feeding can cause wilting, defoliation, flagging, yield loss, reduction in crop quality and cold hardiness, dieback and plant death.
Found a Spotted Lanternfly in New York?
- Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestation you see and, if possible, include something for size, such as a coin or ruler.
- If possible, collect the insect. Place in a bag and freeze, or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Note the location (street address and zip code, intersecting roads, landmarks, or GPS coordinates).
- Email pictures and location: spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov
Report using this online form
Last updated November 2, 2023