Adult spotted lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive 

pest, primarily known to affect tree of 

heaven (Ailanthus altissima). It has 

been detected on many host plants, 

including apples, plums, cherries, 

peaches, nectarines, apricots, 

almonds, and pine. It also feeds on 

oak, walnut, poplar, and grapes. The 

insect will change hosts as it goes 

through its developmental stages. 

Nymphs feed on a wide range of plant 

species, while adults prefer to feed 

and lay eggs on tree of heaven 

(A. altissima).

1 If allowed to spread 

in the United States, this pest could 

seriously harm the country’s grape, 

orchard, and logging industries. 

Distribution and Spread

The spotted lanternfly is present in 

China, India, Japan, South Korea, and 

Vietnam. The insect was detected in 

Pennsylvania in September 2014. 

This was the first detection of spotted 

lanternfly in the United States. 

Spotted lanternflies are invasive and 

can spread rapidly when introduced 

to new areas. While the insect can 

walk, jump, or fly short distances, its 

long-distance spread is facilitated by 

people who move infested material or 

items containing egg masses. 

Damage

Both nymphs and adults of spotted 

lanternfly cause damage when 

they feed, sucking sap from stems 

and leaves. This can reduce 

photosynthesis, weaken the plant, 

and eventually contribute to the 

plant’s death. In addition, feeding 

can cause the plant to ooze or weep, 

Pest Alert Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine 

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

resulting in a fermented odor, and 

the insects themselves excrete large 

amounts of fluid (honeydew). These 

fluids promote mold growth and 

attract other insects. 

Description

Adult spotted lanternflies are 

approximately 1 inch long and onehalf inch wide, and they have large 

and visually striking wings. Their 

forewings are light brown with black 

spots at the front and a speckled 

band at the rear. Their hind wings are 

scarlet with black spots at the front 

and white and black bars at the rear. 

Their abdomen is yellow with black 

bars. Nymphs in their early stages of 

development appear black with white 

spots and turn to a red phase before 

becoming adults. Egg masses are 

yellowish-brown in color, covered with 

a gray, waxy coating prior to hatching.

Life Cycle

The spotted lanternfly lays its eggs 

on smooth host plant surfaces 

and on non-host material, such as 

bricks, stones, and dead plants. 

Eggs hatch in the spring and early 

summer, and nymphs begin feeding 

on a wide range of host plants by 

sucking sap from young stems and 

leaves. Adults appear in late July and 

tend to focus their feeding on tree of 

heaven (A. altissima) and grapevine 

1 In Pennsylvania, adult spotted lanternflies have also been found feeding and egg laying on willow, 

maple, poplar, and sycamore, as well as on fruit trees, like plum, cherry, and peach.

United States Department of Agriculture
Nymphs are black with white spots in early stages 

of development. (Credit: itchydogimages)

Nymphs turn red just before becoming adults. 

(Credit: itchydogimages)

Hatched and unhatched egg masses

Cluster of adults on the trunk of a tree at night

APHIS 81-35-024

Issued November 2014

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(Vitis vinifera). As the adults feed, 

they excrete sticky, sugar-rich fluid 

similar to honeydew. The fluid 

can build up on plants and on 

the ground underneath infested 

plants, causing sooty mold to form.

Where To Look

Spotted lanternfly adults and 

nymphs frequently gather in large 

numbers on host plants. They 

are easiest to spot at dusk or at 

night as they migrate up and down 

the trunk of the plant. During 

the day, they tend to cluster near 

the base of the plant if there is 

adequate cover or in the canopy, 

making them more difficult to 

see. Egg masses can be found on 

smooth surfaces on the trunks of 

host plants and on other smooth 

surfaces, including brick, stone, 

and dead plants.

Report Your Findings

If you find an insect that you 

suspect is the spotted lanternfly, 

please contact your local Extension 

office or State Plant Regulatory 

Official to have the specimen 

identified properly.

To locate an Extension specialist 

near you, go to the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Web site at www.nifa.usda.

gov/Extension. A directory of 

State Plant Regulatory Officials 

is available on the National 

Plant Board Web site at www.

nationalplantboard.org/

membership.