Spotted Lanternfly (Early Stage Nymph)

Woodlands and residential areas, especially near host plants like Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), fruit trees, and grapevines.

Honeydew-producing plant sap feeder; pierces the stems and leaves of plants to suck out nutrients.

Nymphs are active crawlers and strong jumpers. They progress through four nymphal stages (instars) before becoming winged adults. This black-with-white-dots phase represents the first three instars.

Highly invasive and destructive pest. They weaken plants by feeding and excrete 'honeydew' which promotes the growth of black sooty mold, damaging crops and local ecosystems. They pose no direct physical threat to humans or pets but are an environmental hazard.