Spotted Lanternfly

By Sandy Vanno, Master Gardener

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed that the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to Asia, has been found in multiple counties in New York, including Onondaga County, several counties in Western New York, and Albany County. The name lanternfly has little in common with any type of fly. Also, the adults might look like moths, but they are planthoppers and are more closely related to cicadas, brown marmorated stink bugs, aphids, and leafhoppers.

The spotted lanternfly has piercing-sucking mouthparts that allows them to drill into the phloem of a plant to feed directly on the sugary sap. It attacks a wide variety of crops, including grapes, hops, apples, and forest products. It feeds on more than over 100 different species of herbaceous plants, from vines to large trees. It causes harm by sucking sap from plant stems and leaves, which can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and eventually contribute to the plant's death.

It has been reported the spotted lanternfly feeds on almost anything as they move from one area to another in search of a preferred food source. Populations have been found feeding in corn and soybean fields for short periods, and nymphs have been found feeding on basil, cucumber, rose, static flowers, and even grass. It is believed they are only feeding on these plants to get the energy to move on to a more preferred host. The beaks of first, second, and third instars are not strong enough to penetrate woody tissue, so they feed on annual plants or the current year's growth in perennial plants. Fourth instar nymphs and adults have stronger beaks and are able to penetrate the trunks of trees and the older growth of other perennial plants. Late-stage adults move from their preferred host, tree of heaven, to other feed sources in the fall. Sap flow of the plant appears to play a key role in whether spotted lanternfly finds it a good host, because they do not have strong muscles associated with their pumping mechanisms. As the insect feeds, it excretes honeydew (a sugary substance), which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below spotted lanternfly feeding.

The most common form of movement, and the main reason the spotted lanternfly populations have not been contained, is transportation by human activity. Adults will fly into open windows of vehicles, into picking bins, and into the back of trucks while they are being loaded. Also, the nymphal stages and adults can use their powerful hind legs to jump distances; adults can fly short distances. They are able to move 3-4 miles by walking, jumping, and flying.

Eggs can be laid on almost any outdoor surface, vehicles, furniture, rusty metal, firewood, cling to clothing or hats, and be easily transported into and throughout New York. More eggs are laid and the egg laying begins sooner if the spotted lanternfly can feed on tree of heaven. Late season adults tend to move away from tree of heaven to grape vines, silver maple, willow, etc. Reduced sap flow later in the season on tree of heaven may contribute to this preference. Currently, grapes appear to be the hardest hit horticulture crop. If left unchecked, it can potentially wreak havoc on New York's grape, orchard, and logging industries.

The insect is easy to identify with distinct markings. It will change hosts as it goes through the development stages. Nymphs feed on a wide range of plant species (willow, maple, poplar, sycamore, as well as fruit trees like plum, cherry, and peach) while adults prefer to feed and lay eggs on the tree of heaven.

One way to prevent the spread of this insect within New York State is to limit the spread of tree of heaven, which is also an invasive species. Young seedlings should be pulled or dug up, making sure to remove all roots and fragments. Chemical controls work best during late winter/early spring and in summer. The cut stump method can be used in areas where the trees need to be removed. The hack and squirt or injection method is also effective, and minimizes sprouting and suckering when applied during the summer. There are sticky band traps which encircle the trunk, but they must be accompanied by a barrier, such as wire mesh or screen, to prevent unintended capture of beneficial insects and animals such as birds. There are circle traps which consist of a screening that encircles the trunk of a tree, which funnels climbing spotted lanternfly into a container at the top from which they cannot escape. Insecticides can be used if they become a nuisance. Also, vacuum removal with a hand-held backpack style and even big shop vacuums can be useful.

New York State is asking the public to be vigilant and check vehicles and equipment before traveling, use traps to control spotted lanternfly at home, report any sightings, and smash spotted lanternfly when you see them. If you see a spotted lanternfly, follow these steps:

• Take a photo

• Collect a sample; place in a freezer or jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer

• Contact the spotted lanternfly responders at agriculture.ny.gov/reportSLF (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?

• After you have reported spotted lanternfly in your area and collected a sample, kill any additional spotted lanternfly you see by stepping on it or crushing it

References:

New York State and Cornell University Integrated Pest Management Program

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County “Spotted Lanternfly”

Cornell Integrated Pest Management “Spotted Lanternfly Biology and Lifecycle”

Penn State University “Spotted Lanternfly”

Last updated June 24, 2025