Spotted Lanternfly

spotted lanternfly adult on tree of heaven

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of plants, including agricultural crops, ornamentals, and hardwood trees.

The population of SLF in Northern Virginia is expected to increase over the next few years, likely peaking in 2028 or 2029 before declining.

One of the best places to look for SLF is on the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree that is the preferred host plant for feeding and laying eggs. These trees should be removed from your property.

Download our SLF factsheets(PDF, 4MB).

What to Look For

  • Appearance
    • Nymphs (juvenile SLF) are black with white spots and turn red as they develop.
    • Adults are roughly 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide, have a yellow, black-barred abdomen and large, visually striking wings. They have brown forewings with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear. Their hind wings are scarlet with black spots at the front and white and black bars at the rear.
  • Eggs
    • Newly laid egg masses (holding 30-50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud.
    • The 1-inch-long egg masses can be seen in fall, winter, and spring on a variety of smooth surfaces, such as trees, bricks, stones, fences, grills, equipment, and vehicles. These eggs can be scraped off to reduce SLF populations.
  • Habitat
    • SLF (both nymphs and adults) frequently gather in large numbers when feeding.
    • Tree-of-heaven is the preferred host for SLF. Nymphs and adults have higher survival rates and egg production when they feed on tree-of-heaven compared to other tree species.
    • Tree-of-heaven can be identified by compound leaves with 11-41 lance-shaped leaflets. Leaflets have 1-2 "teeth" at the base which distinguish the tree from native species like black walnut or sumacs. Trees also have smooth, light gray to greenish bark, and may produce an unpleasant smell.
    • SLF will feed on native trees, with some preference for maples, poplars, and willows. Healthy trees are unlikely to die from a SLF infestation.
  • Oozing sap
    • When spotted lanternflies feed on plants, they leave behind a sticky, oozing residue called honeydew. This substance attracts other insects, including stinging insects, and causes black sooty mold growth.

How to Manage SLF

  • No Need to Report in Virginia: SLF are now found in many areas and no longer need to be reported to the state. Observations of SLF may be posted to iNaturalist for city staff to monitor.

  • Regular Checks: Inspect your trees and plants for signs of this pest; the insects tend to gather in large groups on trunks and stems. 

  • If You See It, Squash It: If you're certain you've identified SLF, help stop the spread by squashing them on sight. We caution against insecticides and use of sticky band traps because they can cause harm to beneficial insects and wildlife. Circle traps can be an effective alternative that reduces capture of non-target species.

  • Destroy Eggs: Look for egg masses in your trees (in particular, tree-of-heaven), bricks, stones, and other smooth surfaces. If you find eggs, smash them 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.

  • Remove Invasive Plants: In addition to its preferred host plant tree-of-heaven, SLF have been shown to feed on porcelain-berry (a species of grape), multiflora rose, and other invasive plants. Removing these plants can reduce the population of SLF feeding on your property.

  • Inspect Items Being Moved: If you're traveling through infestation-free areas, thoroughly check your vehicle to avoid moving the pest from your land to other locations. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find. If your business involves moving items, check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets, and other items being stored outdoors before they're moved offsite. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.

Quick Facts

The SLF

  • Is associated with an invasive tree called tree-of-heaven.
  • Cannot bite or sting.
  • Is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to peach, apple, grape and wine industries across Virginia and the country.
  • Has a negative effect on your yard plants but is not likely to kill healthy trees.
  • Can be managed on your property by promoting plant health and destroying eggs.
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