spotted lanternfly life cycle

2 min read 14-03-2025

The spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper wreaking havoc on crops and ecosystems across the eastern United States. Understanding its life cycle is crucial for effective management and control. This article details the four stages of the spotted lanternfly's life cycle, offering valuable insights for homeowners and agricultural professionals alike.

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Stage

The spotted lanternfly life cycle begins with eggs. Adult females lay egg masses during the late summer and fall. These egg masses are typically found on tree trunks, rocks, outdoor furniture, even vehicles – essentially any relatively flat surface.

Identifying Spotted Lanternfly Eggs:

Appearance: Egg masses are covered in a grayish-brown, mud-like protective coating, about 1-1.5 inches long. Underneath this coating are 30-50 individual eggs.
Location: Check the tree trunks and undersides of branches, especially of tree of heaven ( Ailanthus altissima), their preferred host. Also inspect outdoor objects such as vehicles and stone walls.

Spotted Lanternfly Nymph Stage

The eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring (typically April-May). The nymphs emerge as small, black insects with white spots. They progress through several instars (developmental stages) over the summer.

Nymph Development:

First Instar: Tiny, black with white spots. They are relatively immobile.
Later Instars: As they grow, the nymphs develop red markings and become more mobile. Their bodies gradually transform from black to red with white spots.

Spotted Lanternfly Adult Stage

By late summer (July-August), the nymphs molt into their adult stage. Adults are about one inch long with distinctive markings.

Identifying Adult Spotted Lanternflies:

Wings: The adults have gray forewings with black spots and red hindwings with black spots, and prominent black-and-white markings.
Size and Shape: They are roughly one inch long, have a body that is somewhat broad, and appear to have six legs.
Behavior: Adults feed on sap. They are active during the day and are most common in late summer and fall. They also hop and fly readily.

Spotted Lanternfly Reproduction and Spread

Adult lanternflies mate and then lay their egg masses, continuing the cycle. They prefer tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) as their primary host. However, they can feed on and damage a wide variety of plants, including grape vines, fruit trees, and maple trees. Their feeding causes significant damage through sap removal and the secretion of honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold and attracts other insects. This impacts the quality and yield of crops and can damage plants.

How to Control Spotted Lanternflies

Controlling the spotted lanternfly population requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes:

Egg Mass Scraping: Removing and destroying egg masses during the late fall and winter months is highly effective.
Nymph and Adult Control: Insecticides can be used to control nymphs and adults. However, targeted applications are necessary. Contact your local agricultural extension office for recommendations and advice specific to your region and the plants you want to protect.
Tree of Heaven Removal: Eliminating tree of heaven, their preferred host plant, can disrupt their life cycle and reduce populations.

Understanding the spotted lanternfly's life cycle is crucial in controlling its spread and mitigating its devastating impact. Early detection, responsible removal of egg masses, and the use of appropriate control measures are essential strategies in the fight against this invasive pest. Always check with your local agricultural extension service or Department of Agriculture for the most up-to-date information and recommended control methods for your area.