Spotted Lanternfly (Early Nymph Stage)

Natural Habitat

Found on a wide variety of plants, including fruit trees, grapevines, and ornamental trees, as well as man-made surfaces like decks and outdoor furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Phloem feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to drink sap from over 70 plant species, including Tree of Heaven, grapes, hops, and various hardwoods.

Behavior Patterns

Early nymphs are flightless but strong jumpers. They are black with white spots. They hatch in spring and go through four nymph stages before becoming winged adults in late summer.

Risks & Benefits

Highly invasive and destructive pest. They weaken plants by feeding on sap and excreting 'honeydew,' which promotes the growth of black sooty mold. They pose a significant threat to the agricultural and timber industries.

Identified on: 6/30/2026