Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae): A New Invasive Pest in the United States

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive plant hopper that is native to Asia, and has been found in China, India,Vietnam and Korea.  This insect was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, and has since been spotted in several mid-atlantic states. Singular adults were found in Delaware, New York and Maryland, but localized infestations were confirmed in Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware in 2018. In an effort to suppress rapidly spreading spotted lanternfly popluations, state quarantines are in effect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.  

Spotted lanternfly adults have wings that are about 1" long and gray with black spots.  The adult underwings are bright red, and visible when the insect spreads its wings.  Young nymphs are black with white spots, and older nymphs are bright red with patches of black and striking white spots. Both juvenile and adult spotted lanternflies seem to prefer the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) for feeding and egg laying, but are known to utilize a wide variety of crops and plants, including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees. Host plants are damaged by the loss of sap from stems and leaves.  This feeing creates large weeping wounds in the plant and reduces photosynthesis.  Like many hemipterans, lanternflies also excrete large amounts of honeydew, which facilitates the growth of sooty mold.

Spotted lanternfly lays eggs on almost any hard surface (trees, brush, tractors, lawn furniture etc.) and can be spread long distances when people move infested material.  Early detection is key to suppressing a nation-wide infestation, and the public should be encouraged to learn how to identify and report signs of this pest.