Spotted Lanternflies

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The spotted lanternfly was originally brought to the United States from Asia in 2014. It was first spotted in New York in 2020, and has since spread across all five boroughs of New York City.

Spotted Lanternfly (Adult)

Lycorma delicatula

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species of treehoppers that have spread across the eastern United States.

These pests primarily feed on the sap of Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), but they also pose a major agricultural threat to vineyards and other cultivated plants and trees.

They’re mainly a nuisance in urban environments, congregating in large numbers on sidewalks and around buildings. It’s recommended to kill them on sight.

Size: 3/4″ – 1″ long (19 – 25 mm); about the size of a quarter

Color: Black, red, yellow, and brownish-gray

Shape: Oval-shaped body with 6 legs and 2 pairs of large, distinctive wings

Identifying Features

6 long, black legs
Small, bulbous, orange antennae
Yellow, oval-shaped abdomen with thick black stripes
2 pairs of large, butterfly-like wings
Forewings are brownish-gray with large black spots and tiny, black rectangular markings
Hindwings are red, white, and black

Spotted Lanternfly (Nymph)

Lycorma delicatula

In the spring, newly hatched spotted lanternfly nymphs emerge from mud-covered egg masses that the adults laid in the fall.

They go through 4 instar stages, changing color from mostly black to mostly red.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs are strong jumpers and are often seen crowding around tree trunks in large numbers as they feed.

Size: 1/4″ – 3/4″ long (6 – 19 mm) depending on the instar stage

Color: Black with white spots; 4th instar nymphs are red

Shape: Pear-shaped body with a wide abdomen, a long snout, and 6 legs

Identifying Features

6 long, black legs covered in white spots
Pronounced, snout-like head structure
1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar nymphs are black and covered in white spots
4th instar nymphs develop large, red patches