Pest

Spotted lanternfly

Lycorma delicatula

An invasive planthopper that sucks sap from tree of heaven, maple, black walnut, birch, willow and grape, often in large numbers. It drips honeydew that grows black sooty mold, and it is a nuisance on most landscape trees more than a killer, except on grape.

Signs

• Adults about an inch long with gray, black-spotted front wings and red hind wings that flash in flight.
• Young nymphs black with white spots; older nymphs red and black with white spots.
• Gray, mud-like egg masses on bark, stone, vehicles and outdoor furniture in fall and winter.
• Sticky honeydew and black sooty mold on the trunk, plants and paving below.

What favors it

Tree of heaven, its favorite host, plus maple, black walnut, birch, willow and grapevines. It spreads as egg masses on vehicles, firewood, stone and outdoor furniture.

Prevention

• Check vehicles, trailers and outdoor items before leaving an area where it is established.
• Scrape egg masses from fall to spring into a bag or container of rubbing alcohol.
• Remove tree of heaven.

Crops it shows up on

Shade & ornamental trees; Apple, pear & stone fruit; Roses & ornamentals.

Often confused with

Sources

• Spotted Lanternfly in Home GardensUniversity of Maryland Extension
• Spotted LanternflyUMass Amherst Extension

Why →