What is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect native to China but is now present in other parts of the world, including the United States. With the first sighting occurring in 2014, they were also detected in two areas of Southern Michigan in the fall of 2020, although the specimen was dead.

Lifecycle of the Spotted Lanternfly

During metamorphosis, the spotted lanternfly species goes through four stages (also called “instars”) before adulthood. The young ones hatch as nymphs instead of larvae. The first three instars are seen in the early-stage nymphs. Spotted lanternflies have the structure of ticks. Without wings, their black bodies and legs come with white spotting. They grow wings during the adult stage.

The next stage nymphs, called late-stage nymphs, are the last instar preceding the adult stage. This stage starts from summer through mid-fall. They have black patches, vivid white spots on their red bodies. The adult flies have the look of moths. On attaining adulthood, they mate and begin to lay eggs. The head and legs are black. Closest to the head, the wings are gray and spotted with black. When in flight, the red and black hind wings can be seen.

They can lay their eggs virtually anywhere. When they do this on a surface, the eggs could be fortuitously carried into another place, causing a spread.

Feeding Habits of Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternflies feed on saps from trees. Ailanthus (tree of heaven) is their favorite, but they also feed on others such as basswood, maples, assorted dogwoods, black gum, serviceberry, paper birch, sycamore, American beech, sassafras, tulip, willows, and black walnut.

Is The Spotted Lanternfly Dangerous?

The spotted lanternfly pests cause mayhem in areas where they live. Trees, woods, timber, commercials, and our economy are all affected by the activities of the spotted lanternfly. Both residents and the government lose money when trees lose their sap to the pests. The main hosts of these pests happen to be grapes. Other fruits affected here include apricot, cherry, peach, plum, and apple. The flies do not feed on fruits but the sap that comes from the trunks and stems of fruit plants, trees, hardwoods, vines, and the rest.

They do not chew wood but pierce tree barks, opening pathways for pathogens to infect the trees. And while spotted lanternflies feed, they discharge sugary honeydew on which black sooty molds grow.  The honeydew attracts other parasites like ants, wasps, hornets, adding to the damage already done. The effect of attacks from the spotted lanternfly includes low crop yield, fruit infection, poor health, reduction in the rate of photosynthesis, delay in crop ripening, and general weakening of trees.

Prevention and Control Tips of the Lanternfly

Here’s what to do if you’re looking to prevent a spotted lanternfly infestation:

• Their eggs should be killed by scraping them off surfaces into Ziploc bags containing alcohol.
• Do away with the host trees. The tree of heaven is their major host, so use Pesticides, sprays, and injections if you can.
• Areas harboring these pests should be quarantined. Transportation and movement to and fro the quarantined areas should also be monitored.
• Know when to call in a professional.

If you’re in Michigan, then you’ve got to equip yourself with as much info about spotted lanternflies. Study their spread and the possible extent of the damage. You should also learn more about prevention and control. 

Dealing with Spotted Lanternfly infestation?

If you spot one around your home, take a picture of it, note what time it was seen, and location. Afterward, report your observations to the nearest pest control agency. You can also notify the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development yourself.

Get in touch with professional exterminators to treat the infested trees and get rid of the pests. If you need assistance with pest control needs, like bat removal services, contact Solidified Pest Control today.