Spotted Lanternfly (adult)

Natural Habitat

Typically found on host plants like Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), fruit trees, grapevines, and various hardwood trees in both urban and rural areas.

Diet & Feeding

Piercing-sucking insect that feeds on plant sap. Important hosts include grapes, hops, stone fruits, and timber trees.

Behavior Patterns

Planthorp-like insects that jump and fly; they lay egg masses on smooth surfaces like bark, stones, or outdoor furniture in the fall. This individual appears to be an adult with its wings slightly translucent/grey with black spots.

Risks & Benefits

Highly invasive and destructive pest that poses a significant threat to agriculture and forestry. They excrete sticky 'honeydew' that promotes mold growth. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem in its introduced range.

Identified on: 4/11/2026