Content updated: July 22, 2026

Transcript

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that were first discovered in the United States in 2014 and, since then, have spread to many states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Spotted lanternflies are about an inch long and half an inch wide and have a distinctive appearance. Let’s look at them at each stage of their life. 

Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall on various surfaces, such as trees, rocks, and outdoor furniture. The eggs are laid in masses of 30 to 50 eggs and are covered with a gray, waxy coating. In the spring, the eggs hatch into nymphs, which are black with white spots.

As the nymphs grow, they shed their skin and become larger. The fourth stage of the nymph is when they develop wings and become adults. 

The adult spotted lanternflies feed on sap, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts other insects and can cause damage to plants.

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species first discovered in the United States in 2014 and have spread to many states on the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. To identify a spotted lanternfly, look for pale gray wings covered in black spots that show a bright red layer underneath when they open. Spotted lanternfly eggs are laid in flat masses that are tan to gray and about the size of a credit card.