Why You Should Eliminate the Lanternfly on Sight

The lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest that poses a serious threat to agriculture and ecosystems. Originally from China, this destructive insect was first discovered in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2014. Since then, it has spread rapidly, causing significant damage to plants and trees.

Why Are Lanternflies Dangerous?

Lanternflies feed on plant sap, weakening trees and crops while leaving behind a sticky residue called honeydew. This substance attracts mold, which blocks photosynthesis and further harms plants. Their impact extends beyond individual plants—entire agricultural industries, including grapevines, orchards, and hardwood trees, are at risk.

How to Identify Lanternflies

Spotting a lanternfly is relatively easy:
 Adults are about one inch long with gray wings covered in black spots and red-and-black undersides.
 Nymphs (juveniles) start out black with white spots, turning red as they mature.
 They have needle-like mouthparts used to pierce plants and extract sap, draining their energy.

What to Do If You See One

 Kill it immediately. Crush adult lanternflies and nymphs on sight.
 Destroy their egg masses. These look like gray, mud-like patches on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, and other surfaces. Scrape them off and dispose of them in a sealed bag with alcohol or hand sanitizer to prevent hatching.

Protecting Our Environment

The fight against lanternflies is critical to preserving our plants, crops, and ecosystems. If you spot one, don’t ignore it—take action to stop its spread!