Spotted Lanternfly (4th Instar Nymph)
Lycorma delicatula
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Fulgoridae
- Size
- 10 - 15 mm (0.4 - 0.6 inches) long in this fourth nymphal stage.
Natural Habitat
Mixed hardwood forests, orchards, vineyards, residential landscapes, and areas with Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous planthopper that pierces plant stems and leaves with mouthparts to feed on phloem sap from over 70 plant species, including grapevines, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs jump forcefully when disturbed. They pass through four nymphal stages, transitioning from black with white spots to vibrant red with black and white patches in the 4th instar before molting into winged adults. Excretes large amounts of sticky honeydew.
Risks & Benefits
Major agricultural and ecological pest; highly invasive in North America. Feeding weakens host plants and honeydew promotes soot mold growth, damaging crops like grapes and hardwoods. Harmless to humans and pets as they do not bite or sting.