Spotted Lanternfly (Early Nymph Stage)

Natural Habitat

Native to parts of Asia but invasive in the United States (particularly the Northeast) and other regions. They are often found on Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), grapevines, maples, and other hardwood trees.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. They use piercing mouthparts to suck fluid from stems, leaves, and trunks.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs hatch in spring (May-June) and are strong jumpers. They go through four nymphal stages (instars). The early stages (1st-3rd) are black with white spots. The 4th instar turns red with white spots (which the image likely depicts, or a transition to it). They swarm trees and excrete sticky honeydew.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Highly invasive pest. Their feeding causes significant damage to agricultural crops like grapes, apples, and hops, as well as hardwood trees. The 'honeydew' they excrete promotes sooty mold growth, which can damage plants and structures. Benefits: None in introduced regions; they are an ecological threat.

Identified on: 2/20/2026