Spotted Lantern Fly

Spotted Lanternfly Spotted in Princeton

Now seen in Princeton, as of summer 2019, on three Ailanthus trees (Tree of Heaven). Residents are asked to report sightings by calling the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly hotline, 833-223-2840 (BAD-BUGO), and leaving a message with their contact information and details of the sightings, or by emailing Spotted Lanternfly Control. 

Residents can complete the Spotted Lanternfly Registration form to register their sighting with the town arborist. We will keep a database of the information for future use. You will not be contacted unless more information is needed.

As many residents are aware, the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma deliculata, has been spotted in Princeton. The Princeton arborist reports the volume of insect populations that have been seen in Princeton have been located on properties that have the Tree of Heaven; Ailanthus altissima, however the Lanternfly is capable of feeding on other trees.

Introduction to the United States

Native to China, the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) was accidentally introduced into Pennsylvania in September of 2014, and was first detected in New Jersey in 2018. It is now also in parts of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New York.

Not a Threat to Trees or Humans

At this time, the SLF is not an insect that will cause death to healthy hardwood trees; however, they do reduce plant vigor and can become a nuisance.

The Lanternfly is not dangerous to humans or animals; however, they do pose a threat to agriculture (specifically the grape vine) and outdoor recreation.

Feeds on Plant Sap

The Spotted Lanternfly is a plant hopper belonging to the family Fulgoridae in the order Hemiptera. Like most hemipterans, SLF feeds on plants using their sucking and piercing mouth parts to extract plant sap.

Honeydew

Adults and nymphs feed on phloem tissues of bark and young stems with their piercing and sucking mouth parts and excrete large quantities of liquid (honeydew).

Honeydew facilitates the growth of sooty mold and can make decks, cars, patios, and walkways a sticky mess if they are located beneath a tree with a high population of lantern flies. The sap also attracts activity from wasps, hornets, ants, and bees.

Tree Host

The preferred host is the Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima. Some studies indicate that the SLF needs the Ailanthus to complete its life cycle.

Tree of Heaven is an invasive tree native to China that is often found on the edge of woods, rear of parking lots, edges of roads, and other areas that are not mowed regularly. When crushed, the leaves of the Tree of Heaven smell like rotten peanut butter.

Life Cycle

The lantern fly life cycle is 1 year. Egg masses are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring of the following year. Eggs can be laid on nearly any flat surface such as tree trunks, cars, picnic tables and houses. 

If the egg masses are seen, it is recommended to scrape and remove. A single egg mass can contain up to 50 eggs.

Removal of Eggs

This short video, courtesy of Morris Arboretum, offers clear guidance on how to identify and remove SLF eggs:

Removal of Host Trees

Removal of host trees and their root systems is recommended by New Jersey and Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP). If a property is inundated with ailanthus, DEP recommends removing all female trees, and leaving about 10% male trees to use as a host trap.

Other Treatment

Tree trapping as well as organic and synthetic insecticides are available for treatment. Call your local tree care professional to develop a management plan tailored to your needs. If applying insecticides, always read the label. Only use insecticides that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency.