Spotted Lanternfly (Early Nymph Stage)

Natural Habitat

Agricultural areas, residential landscapes, and wooded areas, specifically favoring the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous sap-feeder; uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the phloem of various plants including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs are wingless and known for their strong jumping ability. They move up and down host plants daily to feed and go through four nymphal stages before becoming winged adults. This black-with-white-spots stage is the early instar phase.

Risks & Benefits

Highly invasive and destructive pest. They excrete sticky 'honeydew' that encourages mold growth, which can kill plants and attract stinging insects. They pose a significant economic threat to the timber, grape, and orchard industries. They have no known benefits to the local ecosystems where they are invasive.

Identified on: 5/31/2026