Arthropods • Earth.com

Spotted lanternfly

(Lycorma delicatula)

galery

Description

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China. It has spread invasively to Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Its host plants include grapes, stone fruits, and Malus species, although its preferred host is Ailanthus altissima (Chinese sumac or tree of heaven). In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are kept in check by parasitic wasps. The spotted lanternfly's life cycle is often centered around its preferred host Ailanthus altissima but L. delicatula can associate with more than 173 plants. Early life stages (instars) of the spotted lanternfly are characterized by spotted black and white planthoppers that develop a red pigmentation and wings as they mature. Early life instars display a large host range that narrows with maturation. Fully matured spotted lanternflies display a black head, grey wings, and red hind wings. These adults do not display any known associations with herbaceous plants but have been known to cause extensive damage to crops and ornamental plants. The specialized mouthparts and honeydew waste L. delicatula excretes have been found to be significantly detrimental to the health of host plants. The species was accidentally introduced into South Korea in 2006 and Japan in 2009, and has since been considered a pest. In September 2014, L. delicatula was first recorded in the United States, and as of 2020, it is an invasive species in much of Northeastern United States. L. delicatula's egg masses have been found to be the primary vector of spread, with Ailanthus altissima populations seen as a risk factor for further infestation globally. Ongoing pest control efforts have sought to limit population growth, due to the threat L. delicatula poses to global agricultural industries. Adult L. delicatula measure about 25 millimetres (1 in) long and 12 millimetres (1⁄2 in) wide. Adult lanternflies have a black head and gray-brown forewings adorned with black spots. White's original account identified L. delicatula as having a minimum of 20 black spots, with 6 spots located on the anterior margin of the forewings. When resting, the crimson hind wings are partially visible through the semi-translucent forewings, giving the lanternfly a red cast. Neatly spaced black rectangular markings color the tips of the forewings in a pattern sometimes likened to brick and mortar.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Insecta
Order:Hemiptera
Family:Fulgoridae
Genus:Lycorma
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