We have a new Chinese invader! No not a human-engineered deadly virus, but a gentle little “ladybug-look alike”! It’s a plant leafhopper known as the Spotted Lantern Fly (Lycorma delicatula). Though the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) looks like the a spot dabbed ladybug, it is unrelated to this species. It belongs to the Order of “true bugs” or Order Hemiptera—(the “half winged” bugs). This group of insects have two pair of wings, with the forewings (outside pair) being half-leathery at their base, with a membranous type of structure on the distal ends of the wings. Thus, in the case of the SLF the adult’s gray forewings permit the red color of the underwing to show through, giving a reddish cast to the insect’s wings at rest.
This new invasive species, a native of Vietnam and China is associated with another unpleasant invasive Asian species—the so called “Tree of Heaven” (Ailanthus altissima) which is claimed to be the primary host tree of SLF. (A.altissima is locally known as a “Stink Tree” based on the unpleasant scent of its leaves…which look a bit like those of the native Black Walnut tree). However, and unfortunately, the SLF is known to attack other trees and vines as well.
Farmers and orchardists are particularly concerned about the species tendency to attack soybeans, grapes, stone fruits (i.e. plums ) as well as apples. SLF larvae suck plant fluids and produce a substance called “honeydew”which may accumulate on the host plant and can foster growths of fungus and other plant diseases. So far the threat of economic impact to farms, vineyards and orchards has not materialized or been evaluated, but the SLH has only been here since 2014. (But see Notes below)
This colorful, red and black hopper or “SLF” goes through four distinct stages of development. In the early spring the SLF emerges as a tiny little (0.5 cm long) black jumping beetle with white spots, which over a month or more morphs through three growth stages growing larger to about 1 cm long and changes color patterns. The early “black bug” stage finally becomes a black-legged, red-backed “bug” with prominent white spots. Its bright colors make it quite attractive in these early stages. And like all insects of this group ultimately metamorphose into the very colorful and attractive adult Spotted Lantern Fly. The black legged, white spotted specimens seen on 7/15/25 were observed clasping onto young wild grape vine shoots. It was noted that the host plants (Fox Grape) were not altered by the bugs presence, the leaves tendrils and other pars seeming as turgid and lively as surrounding plants of the same species with no bugs.
It is noteworthy that all the instars have large powerful rear legs, and assume jumping posture with their rear bodies lower than their foreparts, which may assist it in high jumping. Its jumping abilities are equal or better than those of a common grasshopper. I observed several specimens jump at least 50 cm or more, or at least as much as 100 times their own body length. When disturbed on a branch, they first tend to move so as to place the branch between them and the intruder. They also appear to avoid sprays by moving up the branch to higher elevations. If the intruder persists they readily jump and disappear among other foliage. Observed on the ground, where they might be stomped by foot—as is directed by some experts for these bugs—one finds their reaction time too fast for the average human foot. They often easily escape such attempts.
The adult Lanternfly is an overall gray with faint darker spots often visible. It is about 2.5cm (an inch) long with black legs and head, a brown or gray cicada like body and two sets of wings. The over-wings, half leathery, half membranous are gray with black spots while the under or secondary wings are more colorful with red and gray areas. The color of the underwings show through the forewings. It is the adult which lays its eggs masses often on the Tree of Heaven, which is its main host.
The Tree of Heaven is also an unwanted invader from Asia. Adults leave egg masses on other trees as well, and other other surfaces. Egg masses (tan or brownish elongate patches or smears) are often found on trees, automobiles, woodpiles and lawn furniture. The spread of SLH from China and Vietnam to Japan (2000) the USA (2014) and other nations has been no doubt related to the possibility of transmission of egg masses adhering to transport vehicles, containers or box and cartons. The massive China trade in such containers may have been one way in which egg masses may have been so widely dispersed by this insect.
On July 15, 2025, during a half-mile (0.85 km) walk along Brookhaven Town’s “Rail Path”, in Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, (40.94290 N, 72.99430W ) this author observed four (4) sites of Spotted Lantern Fly infestation. All “infestations” (sites where species was observed) occurred on the young shoots of the wild Fox Grape (Vitus labrusca) which is common along the margins of this walk/bicycle path.
Each site had from several instars to a dozen or more clustered along the new grape vine shoots. In addition, I recorded two 4th stage instars on the asphalt surface of the path. I attempted to kill them (by foot) but was unsuccessful each time. Their reaction time to such blunt force attacks is rapid, about equivalent to that of a common house fly (Musca domesticus) so I failed to reduce their population by this means on the Rail Path.
The SLF is not a threat to humans, since it does not sting or bite, is not venomous, or carry human diseases. It is claimed to be a threat to agriculture viticulture and perhaps forestry. Since the new “invader bug” is basically harmless to humans it seems unwise to use the presence of a few of these insects in your garden or yard as a reason to begin spraying dangerous and counterproductive pesticides. Some major stores continue to irresponsibly sell dangerous pesticides like “Roundup” and some purchasers responding to irrational fear will spray these dangerous chemicals that are many times more of a threat than the tiny harmless bug it will kill.
And the natural “bug fear” humans have will no doubt be taken advantage of by “bug spray” entrepreneurs who will gladly offer “professionals” to spray toxic pesticides that kill all insects as well as the birds that feed on insects. So don’t go “ballistic” on the SLF!
There are other alternatives. Diatomaceous Earth is non toxic. It is reported to be effective when uses as a spray (1 tbs per gallon of water). There are other options as well.
As in normal population dynamics, in some time, natural insect predators and insectivorous birds will eventially control the population of the SLF. The NY State Department of Agriculture recommend you report all sighting to help reduce spread of the bug. Also sightings of the insect should be reported by email to: spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov, or In NYC email: Forest.Health@parks.nyc.gov.
Black Walnut Tree Infested
Besides the infestation noted above, recent observations revealed an infestation of this species at my home property on Long Island, NY. There, I discovered two young walnut trees I had planted several years ago were heavily infested. Four or fivet
lower branches of the Eastern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) were found to be infested with a mixture of SLF instars most in the last (red back white dots) stages (This in mid July) of development. Each branch may have had 20 or more individuals.
Having no contact insecticides, I tried to use a spray of white enamel spray paint. I was able to coat about half of the clustered instars on one branch with white enamel spray paint. They fell to the ground below the tree. As the enamel paint dried those fully sprayed seemed disoriented and disappeared into the undergrowth. A spray can of carburetor cleaning agent (main ingredient acetone) caused a rapid avoidance reaction. Some fell from the tree branch they moved off rapidly and were not seen again. I suspect the acetone spray may have killed them, but there was no evidence of this. A spray can of “Deep Forest Off” did encourage rapid avoidance …but I suspect may not have any effect on their survival. Oddly, the spray of white enamel paint seemed to be most effective…but a bit too messy, particularly in the close quarters under the Walnut tree. I also made use of a spray of foaming bleach cleanse (main ingredient Hypochlorite solution). If the bug was completely covered it did cause death. But this outcome occurred only in two instances.
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