Spotted Lanternfly Hits New Stage: How To Spot The Pests In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Spotted lanternfly nymphs have reached one of their final developmental stages before they can fly and lay eggs — unless New Jerseyans can kill them first.

July means two pivotal moments for the invasive species: the black nymphs seen in prior months become predominantly red, while the adults begin to appear, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs undergo a four-stage process of maturing toward adulthood, according to the state agriculture department. During the first three, the creature is black with white spots. But during the fourth and final stage before adulthood, the spotted lanternfly nymph becomes bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots. They appear in this stage from July to September.

Adult spotted lanternflies, meanwhile, can be seen from July until December, according to the state agriculture department. They lay egg masses from September through December.

What To Watch For

The invasive species was first discovered domestically Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 and has since spread to nine states, including New Jersey. The insect feeds on the sap of many plants important to New Jersey, including grapevines, maples and black walnut.

While spotted lanternflies don't harm animals or humans, they can reduce the quality of life for people in heavily infested areas, according to the state agriculture department. That's why state officials want people to stomp out spotted lanternflies they see, and to report sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Patch previously collaborated with Duke Farms environmental experts at the Hillsborough nature preserve to show readers how to make their own lanternfly trap. Read More and See Video: Catch And Kill NJ Spotted Lanternflys With This Trap

Adults

You can detect adult spotted lanternflies from the following characteristics, according to the state agriculture department:

• The forewing is gray with black spots of varying sizes, and the wing tips have black spots outlined in gray.
• Their hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band.
• The legs and head are black, and the abdomen is yellow with black bands.
• When the adults fly, they generally prefer to hop/jump and glide, exposing their hindwings.
• The hind wings get exposed when they're frightened or treated with an insecticide.

Fourth-Instar Nymphs

The nymphs appear in their fourth stage from July through September. They're about a half-inch in size and bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots.

The creatures in this stage are strong jumpers and will hop to avoid danger.

About the Spotted Lanternfly

The planthopper has become a concern within the United States ever since it was discovered domestically in 2014. When the insects feed, they excrete honeydew, which can attract bees, wasps and other insects. The substance also builds up and promotes the growth of sooty mold, which can cover plants, forest understories, patio furniture, cars and other surfaces.

Thirteen New Jersey counties are spotted lanternfly "quarantine" zones: Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Union and Warren.

But seven counties also have confirmed, small populations of the creature: Atlantic, Bergen, Cumberland, Hudson, Ocean, Passaic and Sussex. Cape May County is the only county in the state without a confirmed spotted lanternfly population.

The spotted lanternfly is a "hitchhiker," so it can easily travel when nobody's looking. That's why the state agriculture department advises people in quarantine zones to do the following:

• Check your vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
• Inspect items being moved: Check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets and other items being stored outdoors before they are moved offsite. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.
• Park with windows closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees if in a quarantine zone.
• Remove and destroy pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag and place them in the trash.
• Remove host trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as "Tree of Heaven." Try to remove trees from the business property to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
• Report sightings: Contact the state agricultural department to report sightings outside of quarantined zones. If possible, take a picture or capture the insect in alcohol.
• Comply with permitting: Businesses operating in quarantine zones must have permits to move equipment and goods. Visit here for more information about permits.

The NJDA also has a checklist of what to watch for when going somewhere, to make sure the pest isn't coming with you. But wherever you are, if you see a spotted lanternfly, stomp it out. Report spotted lanternfly sightings here. State and federal agricultural officials use information in the database of reported sightings to manage the pest.

Find more information here.