Spotted Lanternfly

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect that is a threat to a wide variety of trees, grape vines, and other woody plants. Of Asian origin where it was controlled by natural predators, it has migrated in recent years with global trade. In 2006, the spotted lanternfly was discovered in South Korea. In 2014, it was discovered in Pennsylvania, and this past fall had migrated to Eastern Maryland and other nearby states. A member of the plant hopper family, its sucking mouth parts penetrate tree bark for feeding.

The insect has been observed to prefer fruit trees, grape vines, pines, and trees with cytotoxic properties like Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Cytotoxicity is the property of being toxic to cells. Some trees and plants produce cytotoxic alkaloid chemicals to help retard their competition in the tree and plant world. Historically, ailanthus was the source of natural Chinese medicinal antibacterial treatments. Modern pharmaceutical uses of naturally produced cytotoxic alkaloids include cancer chemotherapy. The spotted Lanternfly is thought to prefer trees with cytotoxic properties to help protect it from predators. The insect does not feed directly on fruit; it feeds on trees by piercing the bark. Dark stains on the bark often provide evidence of spotted lanternfly activity, as a sugary byproduct of their feeding referred to as “honeydew” is darkened by sooty mold. Trees are not directly killed by the insect. Affected trees are placed under stress, retarding growth, and placing them at risk from other invaders.

A mid-sized plant hopper, adults are about one inch in length, with wings folded, and have a wingspan of approximately 1-1/2 inches, with males slightly smaller than females. Adults have a dark body with greyish dark-spotted wings, yellowish abdomen, and hind wings with bright red, white, and black bands that do not show unless it is flying. Mating and egg-laying occur in the fall. Eggs are deposited in groups of about 30 to 50 on tree bark, covered with a yellowish-brown, waxy substance. The insect overwinters in egg form, hatching in the spring. Wingless nymphs are black with white spots in early stages, and reddish with white spots in later stages.