![]() Pennsylvania is among the worst-affected states with 34 counties under a quarantine order, eight added for the first time this year. Adults die in the winter, and the eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring.At least five states have reported infestations and four more have recorded the presence of the nuisance flying creatures, which experts say first arrived from China between seven and 10 years ago and which are currently feasting their way through the region on crops of apples, grapes and hops, and destroying native trees such as maple, walnut and willow.Īccording to the US department of agriculture’s invasive species information center, the insects – which can grow to about an inch in length and have an appearance similar to a moth – pose “a serious economic threat to multiple US industries, including viticulture, fruit trees, ornamentals and timber”.Īs well as their destruction of plants, spotted lanternflies excrete a pervasive substance called honeydew that turns moldy and coats anything it comes into contact with, such as vehicles and children’s play equipment. There is one generation per year in Pennsylvania. The life cycle of spotted lanternfly, beginning from egg to adult. Adult Spotted Lanternfly - Group feedingĪ large group of spotted lanternfly adults, feeding at the base of a tree. Photo by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. You may also see them when they are frightened, or when they have been poisoned with an insecticide. You will see their wings when they are flying and gliding. While spotted lanternfly adults can fly, they often prefer to jump and glide. Adult Spotted Lanternfly- Open-wingsĪn adult spotted lanternfly with its wings open. The side-view of a spotted lanternfly adult. The females tend to be slightly larger than the males. The top-view of a spotted lanternfly adult. Late Stage Nymphs and Adult Spotted LanternflyĪ group of the late stage 4th instar nymphs, and an adult. They are strong jumpers, and will jump when prodded or frightened. They are ~1/2 inch long, and are bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots. These are the last nymph stage before becoming adults. Late Stage Nymph of Spotted LanternflyĪ late stage nymph (4th instars). Image by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Early instars tend to feed on the new growth of a plant, such as the stems and foliage. Several early stage nymphs feeding on a tree-of-heaven. Early Stage Nymphs of Spotted Lanternfly Feeding The have black bodies and legs, and are covered in bright white spots. As they age, they grow to be ~1/4 inch long. These hatch from the eggs and are just a few millimeters in length. Early Stage Nymph of Spotted LanternflyĪn early stage nymph (1st-3rd instars). ![]() ![]() Here, you can see each individual seed-like egg. Old egg masses, which have the putty or mud-like covering worn off. The egg masses are covered in a white putty-like substance, which age over time to look like cracked mud. Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses - Freshįreshly laid egg masses, which are about 1” long and laid on hard surfaces, including trees, stones, patio furniture, etc. All life stages of the spotted lanternfly, from egg to adult.
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