Although we strive to provide as much information for home buyers, sellers and renters about all things Real Estate there are some exceptions. In NJ we are dealing with a bug crisis and the name of that pesky bug is the spotted Lanterfly.
Don't let this pretty bug fool you, it is a menace and needs to go!
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. If allowed to spread in the United States, this pest could seriously impact the country’s grape, orchard, and logging industries.
What is spotted lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly resembles a moth when it jumps or flies, but in reality, it is neither a fly nor a moth. It is a type of planthopper that belongs to the Order Hemiptera (cicadas, leafhoppers, and aphids). The adults prefer to feed primarily on the non-native host plant “tree of heaven” (Allianthus altissima) while the immature stages (or nymphs) will feed on a wide range of trees, fruits, and even grape vines.
Spotted lanternfly egg masses (or clusters of eggs) are brown, seed-like in appearance, and about 1-inch long. They are covered in a mud-like secretion that helps them stay glued to a surface in a mass. After they hatch, the nymphs go through 4 growth phases, or instars. Immature nymphs are black with white spots, and they gain red markings at they mature through the 4th instar. Late stage nymphs are about ½-inch in length. Adult spotted lanternflies are 1-inch long, have brownish forewings with black spots and hindwings that are red with black spots.
What trees do they damage?
Spotted lanternflies will feed on a variety of host plants from May through November, and their feeding preferences change as they mature. Nymphs will feed on a wide-range of host plants while the adults target only a few species. There are over 65 known species of plants that the SLF will feed on, including ornamental trees (like lilac and dogwood), fruit trees, vines (like grapes), small fruits (such as blueberries), hops, and several vegetables.
Preferred plant species for SLF nymphs:
- Tree of heaven
- Willow
- Maple
- Poplar
- Prunus spp. (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots)
- Apple
- Pine
- Grape vines
Preferred tree species for SLF adults:
- Tree of heaven
- Willow
What trees do they damage?
Spotted lanternflies will feed on a variety of host plants from May through November, and their feeding preferences change as they mature. Nymphs will feed on a wide-range of host plants while the adults target only a few species. There are over 65 known species of plants that the SLF will feed on, including ornamental trees (like lilac and dogwood), fruit trees, vines (like grapes), small fruits (such as blueberries), hops, and several vegetables.
Preferred plant species for SLF nymphs:
- Tree of heaven
- Willow
- Maple
- Poplar
- Prunus spp. (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots)
- Apple
- Pine
- Grape vines
Preferred tree species for SLF adults:
- Tree of heaven
- Willow
If you spot these bugs in your home or while out and about please report the Spotted Lanternfly to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Please go to www.badbug.nj.gov and click on the spotted lanternfly photo and fill out the report a sighting form. Homeowner resources are also available on that site. Plant Industry Division staff will follow-up on your report and may contact you.