The spotted lanternfly may look almost beautiful at first, with patterned gray wings and flashes of bright red underneath. But its striking appearance hides a serious problem. This invasive insect can damage trees, gardens, vineyards, and crops by feeding on the nutrient-rich sap of plants.

Lanternflies use a straw-like mouthpart to pierce plants and suck out their sap. As they feed, they also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can coat leaves, cars, patios, and surfaces beneath infested trees. The residue can encourage black sooty mold to grow, potentially interfering with photosynthesis and putting additional stress on plants.

Knowing what to look for can help you identify them. Young lanternflies are small and black with white spots, while adults develop distinctive red and black markings beneath their gray, spotted wings. You may also find egg masses during cooler months. These can look like patches of dried mud and may appear on tree trunks, branches, rocks, fences, and outdoor furniture.

If you find individual lanternflies, physically removing them can be an effective way to reduce their numbers. Egg masses can also be carefully scraped from surfaces and disposed of appropriately. Sticky traps may help with young insects, but they should be used cautiously and protected with mesh so birds and other wildlife aren’t accidentally caught.

Spotted lanternflies don’t bite or sting people, but their impact on plants can be significant, particularly when populations become large. If you spot one in an area where the insect isn’t established, consider reporting it to your local agricultural or environmental authorities. A quick response can help limit the spread and protect nearby trees and gardens.