An adult spotted lanternfly sitting on a branch

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive species. It does not bite or sting but is having an economic impact on NYS agriculture.

Spotted Lanternfly

Scientific Name: (Lycorma delicatula)
Pest Category: Invasive • Agricultural Pest

Spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting. They feed exclusively on plants outdoors and can only survive for about 48 hours without feeding on a plant. They can be a nuisance because of their sheer numbers. 

Reporting Spotted Lanternfly Sightings

If you find Spotted Lanternfly in New York, especially in an area where there isn't a known population we want to know about it.

Spotted Lanternfly Sightings Report Form
person taking a cellphone photo of a red bug
Take photos of spotted lanternfly and report them if you find them in areas where they aren't known. Photo by J. Gangloff-Kaufmann

Take Pictures

Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestations. If possible, collect the insect. Put it in a bag and freeze it or put it in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Note Location

Note the location (street address and zip code, intersecting roads, landmarks, or GPS coordinates).

Map of Known Infestations

Report It!

Send the information to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets using Spotted Lanternfly Sighting Report Form. 

Spotted Lanternfly Sighting Report Form

Why Worry About Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly Forecast

Track the development of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) from the date of first egg mass detection in the fall, through overwintering periods and immature phases, to adult emergence in the next year with our NEWA Spotted Lanternfly prediction model.

Spotted Lanternfly Biology

Additional Resources and Related Links

portrait of Brian Eshenhaur
Brian Eshenaur

Senior Extension Associate

NYS Integrated Pest Management

Brian Eshenaur