What Does The Spotted Lanternfly Look Like? Watch For This, NJ Says

NEW JERSEY — The pesky spotted lanternfly will soon embark on a season of change. In late summer, the bug will change colors and begin to lay egg masses, so the New Jersey Department of Agriculture wants the public to be aware of their appearance and report any sightings and kill them.

The spotted lanternfly is currently in its nymph stage, when it's tiny and black with white dots. But the bug will soon advance to its next form and become red with white dots.

See photos below from the state agriculture department:

The spotted lanternfly doesn't harm humans or animals, but the invasive species can significantly harm crops and trees. As a result, the state agriculture department has urged people to report spotted lanternfly sightings at badbug.nj.gov.

The bug will reach full maturity in mid-to-late August and begin laying egg masses that will hatch next spring, which makes the present an important time of year for killing them.

“The more of these that we can eliminate before they mature, means fewer will reach adulthood,” said NJDA Secretary Douglas H. Fisher. “While we have crews that are working throughout the state to reduce the spotted lanternfly population, everyone can join the fight against this invasive pest.”

The planthopper is native to China, India and Vietnam but has made it to South Korea, Japan and the United States. It was first discovered domestically in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 and has since spread throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Ohio.

The insect feeds on the sap of many plants important to New Jersey, including grapevines, maples and black walnut. While spotted lanternflies don't harm animals or humans, they can reduce the quality of life for people in heavily infested areas, according to the state agricultural department.

When they feed, they excrete honeydew, which can attract bees, wasps and other insects. The substance also builds up and promotes the growth of sooty mold, which can cover plants, forest understories, patio furniture, cars and other surfaces.

Thirteen New Jersey counties are spotted lanternfly "quarantine" zones: Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Union and Warren.

But seven counties also have confirmed, small populations of the creature: Atlantic, Bergen, Cumberland, Hudson, Ocean, Passaic and Sussex. Cape May County is the only county in the state without a confirmed spotted lanternfly population.

The spotted lanternfly is a "hitchhiker," so it can easily travel when nobody's looking. That's why the state agricultural department advises people in quarantine zones to do the following:

• Check your vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
• Inspect items being moved: Check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets and other items being stored outdoors before they are moved offsite. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.
• Park with windows closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees if in a quarantine zone.
• Remove and destroy pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag and place them in the trash.
• Remove host trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as "Tree of Heaven." Try to remove trees from the business property to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
• Report sightings: Contact the state agricultural department to report sightings outside of quarantined zones. If possible, take a picture or capture the insect in alcohol.
• Comply with permitting: Businesses operating in quarantine zones must have permits to move equipment and goods. Visit here for more information about permits.

The NJDA also has a checklist of what to watch for when going somewhere, to make sure the pest isn't coming with you. But wherever you are, if you see a spotted lanternfly, stomp it out. Report spotted lanternfly sightings here. State and federal agricultural officials use information in the database of reported sightings to manage the pest.