Spotted lanternflies are planthoppers. Lycorma delicatula and Lycorma imperialis are interchangeable scientific names that highlight its unique markings.These ‘true bugs’ are called planthoppers for their athletic ability to jump from plant to plant without the ability to ‘take flight’. Grasshoppers and treehoppers are two other examples of true bugs that primarily feed on ‘grasses’ or are only associated with ‘trees’.
Prior to 2014, this particular species in the Fulgoridae family was not present in North America.Spotted lanternflies have literally hopped their way into New Jersey or hitched a ride here from Pennsylvania. Their lifecycle and feeding habits are somewhat similar to our native annual cicada and another well known hitchhiker to North America, the brown marmorated stink bug.
Lanternflies in their native range have a unique relationship with a tree called Ailanthus altissima and seek out the trees to complete their life cycle. Ailanthus was imported into North America for use as a common shade tree in the 1950’s and is now found throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Due to it’s prolific seed production and suckering ability this tree is considered a ‘junk tree’ or an ‘invasive tree’. Although found in high density where planted or introduced, Ailanthus is not very abundant in the realm of landscape trees and so along the way to finding them, lanternflies feed on what is available (Maples, Walnuts etc.) and do so by sucking plant sap.
It is this feeding frenzy that is particularly of concern when it occurs on grapes and stone fruits.
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