The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has once again returned to Connecticut, tormenting citizens by crawling, jumping, and flying wherever it can. Easily decipherable by its distinct red, white, and black patterning, this planthopper is a great threat to agriculture and our ecosystems. Despite the community's efforts to eradicate lanternflies during the summer of 2023, they have returned in even greater numbers this summer.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect known for hopping from plant to plant. This invasive species is not limited to New England and can also commonly be found in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Native to Vietnam, China, and India, the spotted lantern fly was first detected in the United States in 2014 in the state of Pennsylvania. Due to their rapid rate of reproduction, the population of lantern flies rose sharply, eventually spreading to Connecticut in 2018.
The United States is one of many countries infested by these insects; Japan and South Korea have also faced difficulties removing this species from their ecosystems.
Female lanternflies lay between one and two masses annually, each containing 30 to 60 eggs. Spotted lantern flies reproduce primarily in October but also throughout the late summer and early fall.
Lantern flies can live up to a year and go through multiple stages of life. They begin as eggs and stay this way from late fall until early spring. In this stage, the eggs are covered in a gray mud-like substance for protection.
The second stage lanternfly go through is the nymph stage. This occurs between late spring and early summer. Within the nymph stage are four other stages called “instars.”
The lantern fly molts between each instar, leaving behind its previous pattern.
The spotted lantern fly is black with white spots during the first three instars.
The transition from the third to fourth instar is marked by the red that begins to appear on the back of the lanternfly.
[caption id="attachment_220502" align="alignnone" width="1054"]
Photo: National Park Service[/caption]
Lanternflies finally become adults between late summer and early fall. As adults, lantern flies are able to fly short distances and hop from surface to surface. It is easy for them to latch onto moving vehicles, consequently allowing them to travel quickly.
[caption id="attachment_220503" align="alignnone" width="1354"]
Spotted lanternfly, August 2024 Photo: Claire Weindling[/caption]
Whether a lanternfly is in its first instar stage or an adult, the damage this species inflicts on our ecosystem is equally significant. Lanternflies have a straw-shaped beak called a proboscis, which they use to draw sap from various plants. They primarily feed on the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), grapevine, and fruit trees. Because of the mass number of lanternflies, their constant feeding damages plants, leaving them defenseless against other species of insects.
In addition to their feeding behavior, they release a sticky substance called “honeydew.” This sugary liquid is a result of the excess sap they eat. It covers trees, attracts other insects, and sticks to both clothing and hair. This fluid also causes the production of another substance called “sooty mold.” Sooty mold can prevent plant photosynthesis, which could be detrimental to endangered plant species. Besides the apparent annoyance of these jumping, crawling critters, their overbearing presence seriously threatens Connecticut ecosystems.
As recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is vital for us to kill any lanternfly in sight, starting from the time that they are in their egg mass stage. Thankfully, there are many different ways to prevent the further spread of this invasive, pestilent species.
To destroy egg masses, you can take any object and scrape it off whatever surface it is on. After, putting them in a container or bag with rubbing alcohol ensures they do not survive.
To get rid of nymph or adult lantern flies, it is most common to stomp on them. It is important to note that these bugs are incredibly resilient and it is essential to apply pressure to ensure they get completely crushed.
Another effective method to kill egg masses, nymphs, and adults is to spray a mixture of Dawn dish soap and water. It is easy to create a lantern fly trap with this solution, a container with a lid, and a funnel.
First, cut a hole in the lid of a container and place a funnel through the hole in the lid. Once this is completed, pour your solution in the container. It is important to make sure your funnel is large enough for lantern flies to squeeze through but small enough for them to be trapped once in the container. Once finished, these traps can be placed anywhere outside.
The spotted lanternfly population will only grow if communities do not take action to limit their spread. Their existence is not only an annoyance to people who enjoy spending time outside but also a threat to native plant life.
The lanternfly’s resilience and agility make it challenging to stop them, showcasing the urgency of removing this insect. The best way to stop the infestation of lantern flies is to catch them as egg masses to prevent them from maturing in the spring and summer.
Here's another suggestion to catch spotted lanternflies, using an empty water bottle.
https://youtu.be/zyggQJz46PE?si=7Ze8O8L-3pCn0h0g