PestDex Details
Spotted Lanternfly
Lycorma delicatula
flyer
Invasive planthopper spreading across Mid-Atlantic. Damages grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods.
How to Identify
- •Adult: 1 inch, gray wings with black spots
- •Hindwings bright red with black/white patches
- •Nymphs: black with white spots, then red/black
- •Egg masses: gray putty-like, 1 inch rows on trees
Where Found
Tree of Heaven (preferred), maples, black walnut, grapevines. Northern VA, DC, and MD Panhandle heavily infested. Hitchhikes on vehicles and goods.
Seasonality
Eggs overwinter. Nymphs hatch May. Adults appear July–November. Egg-laying September–December.
Health & Property Risk
No human health risk. Damages crops and ornamentals. Honeydew secretion promotes sooty mold growth. Swarms can be overwhelming nuisance. Economic threat to vineyards and orchards.
Prevention Tips
- •Inspect vehicles before traveling from infested areas
- •Scrape and destroy egg masses (fall–spring)
- •Report sightings to state ag department
- •Remove Tree of Heaven from property
- •Check firewood and outdoor equipment before moving
Treatment Notes
Quarantine zones in place. Tree trunk banding in summer. Systemic insecticide for high-value trees. Homeowner can kill on sight. State programs provide resources.