Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Photo: Peter L. Coffey, University of Maryland Extension
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive sap-feeding insect native to eastern Asia. It was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
In Maryland, spotted lanternfly was first found in Cecil County in October 2018 and since then it has been confirmed in Harford and Washington Counties as well.
This pest feeds on grapes, apples, stone fruits, pines, and many other plant species. It is a threat to Maryland agricultural crops.
A quarantine is in place in Cecil and Harford counties. A permit is required for any businesses moving within or through these counties, along with any movement in the quarantines areas in DE, NJ, PA, and VA. Refer to the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations.
Maryland residents should be on the lookout for this pest and report sightings to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at (410) 841-5920 or DontBug.MD@maryland.gov as soon as possible.
Refer to (PDF) Maryland Department of Agriculture Residential Checklist if you live in an area with Spotted Lanternfly.
Spotted lanternfly is a type of planthopper insect that feeds in large groups on a wide range of plants including grapes, peaches, apples, walnuts, oaks, and pines. They do not bite or sting people or pets.
Both adults and nymphs (immatures) feed by sucking sap from plant stems, trunks, and leaves. During feeding, they produce a sugary waste substance called honeydew. The honeydew sticks to leaves and fruits where it attracts other pests and supports the growth of sooty mold, which contaminates and reduces the value of fruits, reduces plant photosynthesis, and weakens overall plant health.
Red oak leaves with honeydew from spotted lanternfly feeding. Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
The preferred host plant for the spotted lanternfly is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive weedy tree that grows in disturbed areas on field edges and roadsides. Early research suggests that spotted lanternfly prefers to feed and reproduce on tree-of-heaven. The insects may obtain toxic chemicals from the tree which make them poisonous to potential predators. Refer to our information about tree-of-heaven and how to remove it.
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Photo: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org
Spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. A shipment of stone imported from Asia was contaminated with spotted lanternfly egg masses. Despite quarantine efforts, spotted lanternfly became established and continued to spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. It is now moving into nearby states including Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Cornell University maintains the most current map of spotted lanternfly locations and quarantine areas in the US Northeast.
Spotted Lanternfly nymphs (immature form) resemble large black aphids with white spots. There are three instars (phases) of these early-stage nymphs and they are usually found from April-July.
Spotted lanternfly nymphs (first instar). Photo: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
Later-stage nymphs (fourth instar) are red with white spots. These are typically found from July-September.
Spotted lanternfly (fourth instar nymph). Photo: Peter L. Coffey, University of Maryland Extension
Spotted lanternfly adults have four wings which they fold across their back while resting. The outer wings are grey with black spots and have a brick-like pattern at the wing tips. The hidden underwings have brightly contrasting large patches of red, black, and white. The legs, head, and body of the adults are black, with a pronounced yellow belly and sides that are visible by late September.
Spotted lanternfly adult. Photo: Peter L. Coffey, University of Maryland Extension
Spotted lanternfly eggs are laid in masses containing 30-50 individual eggs that will overwinter and hatch in the spring. Females prefer to lay eggs on tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but they will lay eggs on any flat vertical surface, including other trees, stones, vehicles, grills, and outdoor furniture.
Fresh egg masses can be found from October-December. They are about one inch long and have a grey mud-like covering which cracks over time as it dries out. The covering eventually flakes off revealing 30-50 brown eggs which resemble seeds set in 4-7 rows.
Partially covered spotted lanternfly egg mass. Photo: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
Spotted lanternfly eggs. Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Spotted lanternfly life cycle. Nymphs appear in April and develop through midsummer, when they begin to molt into adults. Adults will lay egg masses throughout fall, and will die by the start of winter. Egg masses will last through winter and hatch the following spring.
Video: Spotted Lanternfly Indentification and Life Cycle, Penn State University
Prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly by inspecting your vehicle and any outdoor equipment (grills, mowers, camping supplies, firewood, etc.) when traveling in and out of the quarantine zones in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey. Refer to this (PDF) checklist to inspect for spotted lanternfly.
Kill spotted lanternfly adults and nymphs by crushing them with gloved hands, stomp on them by foot, or drown them in a container of soapy water or rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
Scrape egg masses off of plants and hard surfaces such as lawn furniture, decks, and concrete surfaces using a plastic card or tool such as a putty knife. Eggs can be crushed with gloved hands or dropped into a container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Banding traps can be placed on trees but should be used in combination with a screen cover to prevent by-catch of birds, squirrels, beneficial insects and other animals.
Natural enemies include spiders, praying mantids, assassin bugs, and predatory stink bugs, but these are not present in high enough numbers to control new spotted lanternfly populations at this time. Nonetheless, adding a variety of flowering plants and plant types will help support generalist natural enemies in your landscape. Over time, they may shift to feed more on this new pest (as occurred with the invasive brown marmorated stink bug). It remains to be seen whether generalist natural enemies will suppress spotted lanternfly populations.
Research is underway on biopesticide options such as entomopathogenic (insect-killing) fungi. None are currently available at this time.
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil according to product label instructions. These provide good control if they are applied directly to spotted lanternflies and the surfaces on which they are feeding and walking. Neem oil and insecticidal soap have a short period of residual activity and may need to be re-applied at intervals recommended on the product label.
Co-authors: Christa Carignan, Horticulturist and Coordinator; Peter Coffey, Agricultural Science Agent Associate; Emily Zobel, Senior Agent Associate, University of Maryland Extension, October 2020