IDENTIFICATION

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

The spotted lanternfly adult is approximately 1" long and 1/2" wide when at rest (3). The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings are red and black with a white stripe. The legs and head are black, and the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. 

Even though the spotted lanternfly resembles a moth, it is neither a fly nor a moth. It is actually a type of fulgorid planthopper from the Order Hemiptera (1). Related to aphids, leafhoppers, and cicadas. 

 

In the fall, the adults will lay egg masses with 30-50 eggs each, shown above (2). The egg masses are covered with a yellow-brown secretion. After the eggs hatch in the spring, they undergo four immature stages (nymphs). The first three nymphs are black with white spots, shown below.

The fourth nymph develops red patches on its upper body, shown below. Adult spotted lanternflies emerge in July. 

1.  Ortho 135 81. (2021, July 7). How to Kill & Control Spotted Lanternfly. Front Page. https://www.ortho.com/en-us/library/bugs/how-kill-control-spotted-lanternfly.

2.  Park, J. I.-D. K. (n.d.). Biological Characteristics of Lycorma delicatula and the Control Effects of Some Insecticides. Korean journal of applied entomology. https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO200912651519102.page.

3.  Spotted Lanternfly Alert. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/SpottedLanternflyAlert/Pages/default.aspx.