Spotted Lanternfly (Early Stage Nymph)

Found on a variety of plants including the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), fruit trees, grapevines, and hardwoods; commonly seen in residential and agricultural areas.

Nymphs feed on phloem sap from over 70 different plant species using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Nymphs are known for their strong hopping ability when disturbed. They go through four instar stages, starting black with white spots before turning red with black and white markings in the final nymph stage.

This is a highly invasive and destructive pest. They weaken plants by feeding and excrete 'honeydew' that promotes mold growth. They pose a significant threat to the agricultural and timber industries; they offer no known ecosystem benefits in non-native regions.