If you come across the lanternfly, or Lycorma delicatula, you should get rid of it right away. It originated in China and was first observed in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2014. It has since spread and seriously harmed 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 about one inch in length. Before reaching adulthood, nymphs are black with white dots that turn crimson. They puncture plants with a mouthpart that resembles a needle to extract sap, which drains the plant’s vitality.
It is advised that you get rid of any lanternflies you come across. The adults or nymphs can be directly squashed. It’s also critical to destroy egg masses, which resemble gray mud stains. To destroy the eggs, scrape them into a bag and add alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Protecting our plants and ecosystem requires taking action against lanternflies. If you come across one, keep in mind the harm they may do and take swift action to maintain the health of our ecosystems.
