Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Bad?

Written by

Melissa Petruzzello

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

History

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...