Photo Album: Spotted Lanternfly Found in Ewing, NJ
Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly
While I was inspecting this tree for a wasp nest, I came face-to-face with the dreaded Spotted Lanternfly!
Characteristics of Spotted Lanternfly
They are approximately 1" long and 1/2" wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band.
The Damage to Trees
The Spotted Lanternfly causes serious damage in trees including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and tree dieback.
They Encourage Mold
When spotted lanternflies eat, they excrete a sugary substance that encourages the growth of black sooty mold. This mold is harmless to people, however it causes damage to plants.
A Threat That Must Be Exterminated
Spotted Lanternflies are a huge threat to the agriculture industry and must be exterminated on site, which is exactly what I did!