The Spotted Lanternfly: A Threat to New Jersey

West Hudson residents have taken to Facebook to report findings of the Spotted Lanternfly. The State of New Jersey Agricultural Department wants residents to kill the Spotted Lanternfly by stomping it but that is not as easy as it sounds.  The Spotted Lanternfly has learned that the sneaker coming at it is not a friendly gesture but a deadly gesture.  The Spotted Lanternfly can jump and fly for short distances as an adult.  As a youngster, it can jump very well to get away. It appears at times to be attacking by jumping towards you and onto your clothes. That usually works against them because you can easily swipe them off and then stomp them.

Why should you care about the Spotted Lanternfly? 

The Spotted Lanternfly is a threat to agriculture including but not limited to grape vines (we need that for wine), fruit-bearing trees, and other crops.  It can also kill local trees which are few and far between already in West Hudson.

The Spotted Lanternfly is a native of China and was first discovered in the United States in 2014. It has since been found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. The insect gets its name from the spots on its wings, which are used to attract mates.

What to Look For

Infant (Early Nymph)

The Spotted Lanternfly looks different depending on its stage of growth.  As an infant (early nymph) it is black with white dots, as a teenager (late nymph) it is red with white dots and as an adult, it is brownish with black dots when standing or walking, when flying the adult is very colorful with its long wings.  We are displaying each of its forms above and below for each reference.  You got to admit the adult version in flight (cover photo) is quite beautiful. As in life, you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Teenager (Late Nymph)

Adult Walking or Still

Spotted Lanternfly’s Favorite Tree

The Spotted Lanternfly is fond of a tree that is also native to China, the Tree of Heaven tree.  The Tree of Heaven produces a sugary substance that sustains the Spotted Lanternfly and thus it is a feeding station for the Spotted Lanternfly. The adult will lay its eggs around a tree so that when the eggs hatch the infant Spotted Lanternfly can find the sugar it needs to feed upon close by. The Tree of Heaven tree might not be a bad tree to leave alone if you are going to capture and kill the Spotted lanternflies that are attracted to the tree daily.  Even if you pull out or cut the Tree of Heaven plant it is very hardy and comes back the next season.  Keeping Tree of Heaven trees around may be a way to capture and kill the Spotted Lanternfly and avoid it infesting another tree.

Tree of Heaven Tree

Report Sighting of Spotted Lanternfly

You should report the Spotted Lanternfly to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by using their reporting Spotted Lanternfly Reporting App online preferably or by emailing your siting to [email protected] and include the location (address), what stage of life (infant, teenager, adult), how many, whether they were on a tree and what type if possible. You can also call the phone number (833) 422-3284 to report them as well.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts?

What do you think about the Spotted Lanternfly? Have you seen any in your area? Did you spot the Teenage Spotted Lanternfly in the picture of the Tree of Heaven above? Let Us Know Your Thoughts on our Community Discussion Board.  If you have not signed up yet to participate you can Sign Up now.