If you come across the lanternfly, or Lycorma delicatula, you should eradicate it right away. It originated in China and was first seen in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2014.
It has since spread, seriously harming the environment and agriculture. Because of the sticky honeydew they expel,
lanternflies weaken and cause sooty mold on a variety of plants and trees that they feed on sap from. The plant is further harmed by this mold because it prevents photosynthesis.
Lanternflies are simple to recognize. Adults have red and black underwings and gray wings with black patches, measuring approximately one inch in length. Before reaching adulthood,
Nymphs are black with white dots that become crimson. They puncture plants with a mouthpart that resembles a needle to extract sap, which is the plant’s life force.
