Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Bad?
Originally from China, India, and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is considered a harmful invasive species in several locations outside its native range. The insect feeds on the sap of numerous wild, ornamental, and agricultural plants. With few natural predators in introduced areas such as the United States, South Korea, and Japan, its feeding can weaken or even kill host plants, including trees, grapevines, fruit crops, and many other species. Heavy infestations reduce plant vigor, making them more vulnerable to drought, disease, and other stresses. The insect also produces large amounts of sticky honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold—a plant disease—that can interfere with photosynthesis and coat leaves, branches, and outdoor surfaces.
The insect was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and threatens vineyards, orchards, forests, and logging industries in parts of the United States. Adults can fly, walk, and hop only short distances, but egg masses are often carried inadvertently to new areas on cargo containers, vehicles, firewood, and other transported materials. To slow the spread of spotted lanternflies, residents are encouraged to destroy adults and nymphs and scrape egg masses from outdoor surfaces before they hatch.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">