Spotted Lanternfly Insects, Mites & Diseases Upon first glance the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) appears similar to a butterfly; colorful and flashy, but don’t be fooled, this is an exotic, invasive insect which poses a serious threat to agricultural and landscape plants. The lanternfly is not a true fly but technically is a planthopper and is native to China. Spotted lanternflys feed on over 100 species of fruit trees, ornamental plants, hardwoods and vines including; apples, birch, cherry, dogwood, grapes, Korean Evodia, lilac, maple, poplar, stone fruits, and tree-of-heaven. The tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is a particularly prefered host species for the spotted lanternfly in spite of its high concentration of cytotoxic alkaloids. They seem to choose plants with toxic metabolites for egg-laying, most likely as a defense mechanism to protect young from natural predators. Sugar content also plays a role in host choice, plants with high fructose and sucrose levels are often preyed upon. Visit Cornell’s Spotted Lanternfly Reported Distribution Map for information on where this insect has been located. What Trees and Plants Do Spotted Lanternflies Attack? Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of more than 100 plant species, including: Maple Birch Willow Walnut Poplar Dogwood Lilac Grapevines Fruit trees, including apple, cherry, peach, and plum Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Tree-of-heaven is considered one of the insect's preferred hosts, but spotted lanternflies readily move among many landscape and agricultural plants throughout the growing season. How to Identify a Spotted Lanternfly Adult spotted lanternflies are approximately 1 inch long and about one-half inch wide. Key identification characteristics include: Grayish-brown forewings with black spots Hind wings with red and black patches near the body and black and white bars toward the tips, visible during flight Black legs and head Yellow abdomen with black bands Immature lanternflies, known as nymphs, look very different from adults. Early-stage nymphs are black with white spots, while late-stage nymphs develop distinctive red patches in addition to white spots. Spotted lanternfly egg masses are typically laid from late summer through fall on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, stone, vehicles, and other smooth surfaces. Fresh egg masses appear gray and mud-like, while older masses reveal rows of brown, seed-like eggs. What Damage Do Spotted Lanternflies Cause? Spotted lanternflies feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap from trunks, stems, and branches. Heavy infestations can: Reduce plant vigor Cause branch dieback Increase stress on already weakened trees Reduce fruit production Contribute to the decline in susceptible trees and plants As they feed, lanternflies excrete large amounts of sugary honeydew. Honeydew accumulates on leaves, branches, patios, decks, vehicles, and outdoor furniture, often leading to the growth of black sooty mold. This sticky residue can create nuisance conditions around homes and landscapes. While spotted lanternflies can be alarming in large numbers, healthy trees can often tolerate some feeding. Problems are more likely to occur when heavy infestations combine with drought, disease, root damage, or other environmental stressors. Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle Spotted lanternflies complete one generation per year. Winter Egg masses overwinter on trees and many outdoor surfaces. Spring Eggs hatch into black-and-white nymphs. Summer Nymphs progress through several growth stages, eventually developing red coloration before becoming adults. Late Summer and Fall Adults feed heavily, mate, and lay egg masses before dying with the arrival of winter temperatures. How to Prevent and Control Spotted Lanternflies Early detection and proactive management can help protect the health, beauty, and long-term value of your landscape. Management strategies may include: Inspecting trees and outdoor surfaces for egg masses Scraping and destroying egg masses when found Removing tree-of-heaven when appropriate Monitoring populations throughout the growing season Applying targeted treatments when infestations threaten high-value trees Because spotted lanternflies move frequently between host plants, effective management often requires a comprehensive, property-wide approach. When to Call a Professional Arborist If you are seeing large numbers of spotted lanternflies on your property or notice excessive honeydew, sooty mold, or signs of tree decline, professional evaluation is recommended. An experienced SavATree ISA Certified Arborist® can assess the severity of an infestation, identify vulnerable trees and plants, and develop a customized treatment plan to help protect the health and value of your landscape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.