Spotted Lantern Fly

An invasive species native to China, Bangladesh and Vietnam. They were found in PA in 2014 and has since spread to 26 counties and counting. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) causes serious damage to trees through oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and of course, tree dieback. While feeding, the SLF excretes a sugary substance known as honeydew and encourages the growth of black sooty mold. A Lanternfly adult is approximately 1″ long and ½” wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wing tips are reticulated black blocks outlined with grey. Hind wings bare contrasting color patterns of red and black with a white band. Its legs and head are black, but the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages have black with white spots and develop the red patches as they mature.

1st – 4th Instar Nymphs and Adult Female with Wings Spread Out

Photo courtesy: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture