Adult spotted lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive 

pest, primarily known to feed on tree 

of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but 

has many other host plants, including 

grape, hop, apple, stone fruit, maple, 

poplar, walnut, and willow. The insect 

changes 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). 

Spotted lanternflies are invasive and 

can spread rapidly when introduced to 

new areas. While the insect can walk, 

jump, or fly short distances, its longdistance spread is facilitated by people 

who move infested material or items 

containing egg masses. If allowed to 

spread in the United States, this pest 

could damage the country’s grape, 

orchard, and logging industries. 

Distribution

The spotted lanternfly is present in 

China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, 

and Vietnam. In 2014, the insect was 

first detected in the United States in 

Pennsylvania. Since then, spotted 

lanternfly infestations have been 

detected in Delaware, Maryland, New 

Jersey, and Virginia. 

Damage

Both nymphs and adults of spotted 

lanternfly cause damage when 

they feed, sucking sap from stems 

and branches. 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, resulting 

in a fermented odor, and the insects 

themselves excrete large amounts of 

fluid (honeydew). These fluids promote 

mold growth and attract other insects. 

Pest Alert Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine 

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

Description

Adult spotted lanternflies are about 

1 inch long and one-half 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, 

and most are 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 branches. 

Adults appear in late July and tend 

to focus their feeding on tree of 

heaven (A. altissima) and grapevine 

(Vitis vinifera). As the adults feed, 

they excrete sticky, sugar-rich fluid 

(honeydew). The fluid can build up on 

plants and on the ground underneath 

infested plants, causing sooty mold 

to form.

United States Department of Agriculture
Spotted lanternfly nymphs are black with white spots in early stages of development and turn red before 

becoming adults. 

Covered and uncovered egg masses

Cluster of adults on the trunk of a tree at night

APHIS 81-35-024

Revised August 2019

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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) website 

at nifa.usda.gov/Extension. A 

directory of State Plant Regulatory 

Officials is available on the 

National Plant Board website at 

www.nationalplantboard.org/

membership.