Spotted Lanternfly

Disease

High Threat

Affects: Tree of Heaven (primary host), but feeds on 70+ species including maples, oaks, walnut, willow, birch, grape

Photo: Lawrence Barringer / Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (CC-BY-3.0-US (Bugwood))

Identification & Biology

Showy planthopper from Asia. Feeds on sap, excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold. Doesn't usually kill trees directly but weakens them and creates a mess. Major agricultural pest on grapes and orchards.

Current Status

Established in PA, NJ, NY, CT, DE, MD, VA. Spreading rapidly.

States affected:

Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Virginia

What Homeowners Should Do

Destroy egg masses (gray mud-like patches on any flat surface) October-June. Remove Tree of Heaven from property to eliminate breeding host. Report sightings to state agriculture department.