Spotted Lanternfly (Early Stage Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Found on a wide variety of plants, especially the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), as well as fruit trees, grapevines, and hardwoods in urban and agricultural areas.

Diet & Feeding

Piercing-sucking mouthparts used to feed on phloem sap from over 70 species of plants, including grapes, hops, apples, and various maple and walnut trees.

Behavior Patterns

The insect undergoes four nymphal stages (instars) before reaching adulthood. The first three stages are black with white spots, while the fourth is red. They are strong jumpers and often move up and down the trunks of host trees daily.

Risks & Benefits

Highly invasive and economically damaging pest. As they feed, they excrete 'honeydew,' which promotes the growth of black sooty mold that kills plants. They have no significant ecological benefits in their invasive range and threaten the timber and agricultural industries.

Identified on: 6/8/2026