Spotted Lanternfly Hits New Stage: How To Spot The Pests In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — As summer progresses to its zenith, spotted lanternfly nymphs around Pennsylvania approach one of the final stages in their development before they can fly, lay eggs, and continue the general cycle of havoc and destruction that’s laid waste to both the region’s economy environment.

The changes are not subtle. Nymphs that were black in spring and early summer become red. It’s part of a four-stage process toward adulthood, agriculture officials note.

During the first three, the creature is black with white spots. But during the fourth and final stage before adulthood, the spotted lanternfly nymph becomes bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots. They appear in this stage from July to September.

Adult spotted lanternflies, meanwhile, can be seen from July until December, according to the state agriculture department. They lay egg masses from September through December.

What To Watch For

The invasive species was first discovered domestically Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 and has since spread to nine states. The insect feeds on the sap of many plants important to Pennsylvania, 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 agriculture department. That's why state officials want people to stomp out spotted lanternflies they see, and to report sightings to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Adults

You can detect adult spotted lanternflies from the following characteristics, according to the state agriculture department:

• The forewing is gray with black spots of varying sizes, and the wing tips have black spots outlined in gray.
• Their hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band.
• The legs and head are black, and the abdomen is yellow with black bands.
• When the adults fly, they generally prefer to hop/jump and glide, exposing their hindwings.
• The hind wings get exposed when they're frightened or treated with an insecticide.

Fourth-Instar Nymphs

The nymphs appear in their fourth stage from July through September. They're about a half-inch in size and bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots.

The creatures in this stage are strong jumpers and will hop to avoid danger.

About the Spotted Lanternfly

The planthopper has become a concern within the United States ever since it was discovered domestically in 2014. When the insects 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.

The spotted lanternfly is also a "hitchhiker," so it can easily travel when nobody's looking.

f you find egg masses on your property, you can scrape them off using a plastic card or putty knife, according to PennState Extension.
The eggs should be scraped into a bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Egg masses should not be scraped off onto the ground as they can still hatch.

Egg masses can also be smashed, but there needs to be an even and forceful pressure placed on the entire egg mass.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Josh Bakan