Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a recently introduced invasive insect, found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia. If it spreads to New Hampshire it could harm hardwood trees, forests and landscapes and agriculture. Be on the alert and report suspect spotted lanternfly.
Adult spotted lanternfly, Photo credit: PA Dept. of Agriculture, bugwood.org
Spotted lanternfly background and risks
It spends its lifetime sucking plant sap from a wide range of host plants, but it prefers Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Spotted lanternflies tend to congregate together. This mass feeding causes plant stress and decline. We are still learning about risks to plant health. Grapes and hops will likely be harmed, with potential negative impacts to other landscape and ornamental plants, fruit trees, and hardwoods. Feeding by spotted lanternfly results in build-up of sticky excreta which attracts wasps and other insects and causes black sooty molds.
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Spotted Lanternfly Identification
Adult spotted lanternfly, Photo credit: PA Dept. of Agriculture, bugwood.org
Spotted lanternflies are gregarious and congregate together on host plants.
Photo credit: PA Dept. of Agriculture, bugwood.org