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Beware of This Bug!

Spotted lanternflies look pretty, but they are a major threat to the environment.

March 28, 2022

By Jackie Appel and Nicole Tocco

As You Read, Think About: What are some ways to help stop the spread of lanternflies?

Last September, a student entered a science project at the Kansas State Fair. His bug collection earned the boy a blue ribbon. It also sparked a statewide bug hunt!

One of the judges at the fair recognized a spotted lanternfly in the student’s collection. In the U.S., the insect is an invasive species. That’s an animal or a plant that moves into an area and harms native species. The fair in central Kansas was hundreds of miles from the nearest known lanternfly infestation. Fair officials were alarmed and alerted local authorities.

Lanternflies are causing big trouble in the Northeast. Experts are trying to stop them from spreading to other parts of the country. They say you can help—by stomping the plant-eating pests.

“If you see one, the first thing you should do is kill it,” says George Hamilton, an entomologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Last September, a student entered a science project at the Kansas State Fair. His bug collection earned him a blue ribbon. It also sparked a statewide bug hunt!

Lanternflies are causing big trouble in the Northeast. Experts are trying to stop them. They want to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the country. They say you can help—by stomping the plant-eating pests.

“If you see one, the first thing you should do is kill it,” says George Hamilton, an entomologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

World Travelers

Spotted lanternflies are native to China. Scientists think they came to the United States aboard a shipping container. The first lanternfly found in the U.S. was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. The population of these winged invaders has since exploded.

Lanternflies reproduce rapidly. Females lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time on just about any flat surface. That includes cars and other vehicles that can carry them into new areas.

“They’re very good hitchhikers,” says Hamilton. “Most people don’t even know they’ve got them.”

Swarms of lanternflies have invaded towns. They not only attack plants and trees but also are a nuisance to people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Spotted lanternflies are native to China. Scientists think they came to the United States aboard a shipping container. The first lanternfly found in the U.S. was discovered in Pennsylvania. That was in 2014. The population of these winged invaders has since exploded.

Lanternflies reproduce quickly. Females lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time. They do it on just about any flat surface. That includes cars and other vehicles that can carry them into new areas.

“They’re very good hitchhikers,” says Hamilton. “Most people don’t even know they’ve got them.”

Swarms of lanternflies have invaded towns. They attack plants and trees. They also bother people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Map It Out

Spotted lanternflies have been found in more than a dozen states.*

In which states would you most likely see a spotted lanternfly?

_{*As of February 2020; Source: New York State Integrated Pest Management}

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

Map It Out

Spotted lanternflies have been found in more than a dozen states.*

In which states would you most likely see a spotted lanternfly?

_{*As of February 2020; Source: New York State Integrated Pest Management}

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

Feeding Frenzy

The good news is that these pests don’t harm humans or animals. The bad news is that lanternflies feast on more than 70 types of trees and plants. They can damage grapes, apples, peaches, and other crops.

Lanternflies don’t chew leaves or bark. Instead, they suck out the nutrients a plant needs to survive. After eating, the insects produce a sugary substance called honeydew. It leads to the growth of a black mold, which can harm plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves.

In Pennsylvania alone, lanternflies cause about $50 million in damage each year. Experts say that amount could grow to $325 million if the bugs continue spreading throughout the state.

Lanternflies don’t chew leaves or bark. Instead, they suck out the nutrients a plant needs to survive. After eating, the insects make a sugary substance. It's called honeydew. It leads to the growth of a black mold. This can harm plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves.

In Pennsylvania alone, lanternflies cause about $50 million in damage each year. Experts say that amount could grow. It could reach $325 million if the bugs continue spreading throughout the state.

What You Can Do

Praying mantises, spiders, and some birds prey on lanternflies. But experts say that’s not enough to stop the insects’ spread. They say we are one of the best defenses against the winged invaders.

In the spring, most lanternflies are in the egg stage. If you identify egg clusters on tree trunks, patio furniture, or other surfaces, officials suggest scraping them off. Then you should soak them in a bag or container filled rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

If you live in an area where lanternflies have been found, check your car before traveling to make sure you’re not transporting them to a new place. And if you see one, step on it.

“I don’t think we’ll completely solve the problem,” Hamilton says. “But at least we can help.”

Praying mantises, spiders, and some birds prey on lanternflies. But experts say that’s not enough to stop the insects’ spread. They say we are one of the best defenses against the invaders.

In the spring, most lanternflies are in the egg stage. If you see lanternfly egg clusters on tree trunks, patio furniture, or other surfaces, officials suggest scraping them off. Soak them in a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

If you live in an area where lanternflies have been found, check your car before traveling. This is to make sure you’re not moving them to a new place. And if you see one, step on it.