About the Spotted Lanternfly

Characteristics

  • Appearance evolves dramatically throughout its lifecycle
  • Attacks grapes, hops, many fruits and vegetables, hardwoods and more than 100 plants
  • Does not sting or bite humans or pets
  • Main host is the invasive plant called Tree of Heaven
  • Plant hopper and excellent jumper
  • Poor flyer
  • Very effective hitchhiker from state to state on vehicles and on goods, such as firewood

Life Cycle

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Egg Masses (December-May)

Egg Masses


  • Size: About 1.5" long
  • The egg masses are laid on tree trunks and other surfaces.
  • Egg masses typically include 30 to 50 jellybean-shaped eggs in neat rows covered by a waxy substance that looks like mud.
  • During winter, destroy the egg masses.

Young Nymph (May-August)

Young Nymphs


  • Size: 4mm up to 3/8" long
  • Early, immature stages of the spotted lanternfly are wingless and black with white spots.

Mature Nymph (July-August)

Mature Nymph


  • Size: 7/8" long or 12mm
  • Mature nymphs develop red patches.

Adult (July-December)

Adult

Adult Wings Spread

Adult Wings Spread


  • Size: about 1" long
  • At rest, the adult resembles a colorful moth and shows light-brown, grayish wings with black spots held "tent-like" over its body. 
  • When the wings are open, yellow and red patches are exposed. 
  • Adults are approximately 1" long and ½" wide.

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