Understanding the Lanternfly
The lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) may look harmless, but it poses a serious threat to agriculture and local ecosystems. Originally from China, this invasive insect was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread across the U.S., damaging crops and ornamental plants.
The Damage They Cause
Lanternflies feed on plant sap with needle-like mouthparts. This weakens plants and causes them to excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that encourages the growth of sooty mold. The mold blocks photosynthesis, leading to plant deterioration. Even strong, healthy trees can suffer.
Identifying Lanternflies
Proper identification is key:
Adults: About 1 inch long, gray wings with black spots, red and black underwings.
Nymphs: Start black with white spots, turn red as they mature.
Their bright coloration while flying makes them easy to spot.
Feeding Habits and Impact
Lanternflies pierce a plant’s vascular system to access nutrients, draining essential resources. This method of feeding significantly weakens the plant and reduces its ability to survive and thrive.
My Personal Encounters
Lanternflies likely arrived through imported goods. Since then, they’ve rapidly spread across the East Coast and beyond. Seeing their damaging effects firsthand has emphasized the importance of early detection and action.
Action Steps When You Spot a Lanternfly
If you see one:
Kill it immediately – squash both adults and nymphs.
Report the sighting if your local authorities request it.
Preventive Measures: Sealing the Nests
SEE NEXT PAGE
Understanding the Lanternfly
The lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) may look harmless, but it poses a serious threat to agriculture and local ecosystems. Originally from China, this invasive insect was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread across the U.S., damaging crops and ornamental plants.
The Damage They Cause
Lanternflies feed on plant sap with needle-like mouthparts. This weakens plants and causes them to excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that encourages the growth of sooty mold. The mold blocks photosynthesis, leading to plant deterioration. Even strong, healthy trees can suffer.
Identifying Lanternflies
Proper identification is key:
Adults: About 1 inch long, gray wings with black spots, red and black underwings.
Nymphs: Start black with white spots, turn red as they mature.
Their bright coloration while flying makes them easy to spot.
Feeding Habits and Impact
Lanternflies pierce a plant’s vascular system to access nutrients, draining essential resources. This method of feeding significantly weakens the plant and reduces its ability to survive and thrive.
My Personal Encounters
Lanternflies likely arrived through imported goods. Since then, they’ve rapidly spread across the East Coast and beyond. Seeing their damaging effects firsthand has emphasized the importance of early detection and action.
Action Steps When You Spot a Lanternfly
If you see one:
Kill it immediately – squash both adults and nymphs.
Report the sighting if your local authorities request it.
Preventive Measures: Sealing the Nests
SEE NEXT PAGE
The lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) may look harmless, but it poses a serious threat to agriculture and local ecosystems. Originally from China, this invasive insect was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread across the U.S., damaging crops and ornamental plants.
Lanternflies feed on plant sap with needle-like mouthparts. This weakens plants and causes them to excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that encourages the growth of sooty mold. The mold blocks photosynthesis, leading to plant deterioration. Even strong, healthy trees can suffer.
Proper identification is key:
Lanternflies pierce a plant’s vascular system to access nutrients, draining essential resources. This method of feeding significantly weakens the plant and reduces its ability to survive and thrive.
Lanternflies likely arrived through imported goods. Since then, they’ve rapidly spread across the East Coast and beyond. Seeing their damaging effects firsthand has emphasized the importance of early detection and action.
If you see one:
