Spotted Lanternfly (4th Instar Nymph)

Found in woodlands, gardens, and urban areas; highly associated with the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but feeds on many agricultural crops.

Uses a piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on plant sap from over 70 different plant species including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.

Nymphs are active crawlers and jumpers. The 4th instar is the final nymph stage before adulthood and is the only stage displaying the bright red coloration with white and black spots. They typically hatch in spring and reach this red stage by mid-summer.

Highly invasive and destructive pest that threatens several industries. They weaken plants by feeding on sap and excreting 'honeydew,' which promotes the growth of black sooty mold. This can kill plants and attract other pests. They have no known benefits to ecosystem balance outside their native range.