Looks can be deceiving, and while the spotted lanternfly might be as pretty as a butterfly, the invasive species also poses a significant threat to the US agricultural and forestry industries, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
The latest World Population Review tracker numbers confirm that the invasive species from Asia has already been spotted in 17 states this year: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
Here’s everything you need to know about the detrimental pests that cause infestations in hardwood trees and destroy grape harvests and fruit trees such as apples, peaches and nectarines.
Dead spotted lanternflies perch on a tree at Inwood Hill Park on September 26, 2022 in New York City.
More: This invasive species could cost New York wine industry millions: The details
What do spotted lanternflies look like?
Spotted lanternfly eggs hatch in the spring and early summer from April through October. Early instar nymphs are black in color with white spots; fourth instar nymphs are red with black and white spots.
Adult spotted lanternflies, usually seen between July and November, are about one inch long and one-half inch wide. The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches, separated by a white section. The red hindwings are mostly hidden unless the wings are spread.
Here’s what the flies look like at different stages of their lives, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:
Latternflies can look very different as they reach a new stage of life. the photo shows the stages they will go through as nymphs, or jeveniles.
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Eggs are clustered together and look like “wet, gray putty.” A mass can hold around 30 to 50 eggs.
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Nymphs are juvenile lanternflies that are “black with white spots and turn red as they develop.” The lanternfly goes through four different instars, or stages, as a nymph.
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Adults are approximately 1.5 inches wide with a yellow and black abdomen and “large, visually striking wings.”
Should you kill spotted lanternflies and if so, how?
The USDA recommends killing adult spotted lanternflies by stepping on or swatting them. If eggs are found on trees, you’re encouraged to smash and scrape them into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Then, zip the bag shut and dispose of it in the trash.
How did the lanternflies come to the US?
The insects are native to southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, but according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), these stowaways have made their way across the US by hitching a ride along with imported goods.
The fly was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since infested other states and damaged native plants, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Now, insects travel across state borders by attaching themselves to cars, outdoor equipment, bicycles, and other vehicles.
How to prevent the spread
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service asks people to inspect their cars, outdoor furniture and recreational gear and equipment (like tents, tarps and coolers) for signs of the pesky insect before moving them from an area known to be populated by the bug.
They can lay eggs on any object, from light bulbs, fence posts, tires, and outdoor furniture and cushions.
The USDA asks people to go through the following checklist to ensure there are no signs of the insect on any of their belongings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See a spotted lanternfly? Why you should show no mercy.
