The Spotted Lanternfly: A Beautiful Pest with a Big Problem

By: Chloe Ko

At first glance, they may have a similar appearance to a colorful butterfly, or maybe a unique moth that is around us all the time with its spotted and  bright red underwings that make it seem almost pretty. But don’t let that look fool you– it may be the spotted lanternfly, one of the most destructive invasive species in the United States, threatening crops, trees, and ecosystems across the country. 

The spotted lanternflies (lycorma delivatula) are native Asia, but they first appeared in the US around 2014 after hitchhiking its way overseas. Since then, it has spread rapidly across multiple states, clinging to cars, trains, and firewood — basically anything that moves. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), this invasive insect has become a serious threat to our agriculture, environment, and even everyday life.

You may wonder how these tiny bugs may be affecting our lives that much, but don’t underestimate these tiny armies. The lanternflies actually feed by sucking sap from more than 70 different types of plants. This might not sound like a big deal, but the effect is devastating. The NC State University College of Natural Resources explains that lanternflies can cause serious harm to crops like grapes, apples, peaches, and hops. In fact, some vineyards in the eastern U.S. have reported losing up to 90% of their harvest because of this pest. The feeding weakens plants, makes them more vulnerable to disease, and reduces their ability to produce fruit. Even worse, the sticky substance the bugs excrete, called honeydew, promotes the growth of black sooty mold. This mold coats leaves and blocks sunlight, making it even harder for plants to survive

The lanternflies don't only attack the crops, but also the forest and ornamental trees.The FWS reports that the insects often feed on maples, walnuts, oaks, and other native species, which could upset entire ecosystems. As trees weaken, the animals that depend on them, such as birds and bats, may lose their habitats.

With all the damage these unwelcomed species have done, it is crucial to be controlling their population. According to both FWS and NC State, controlling this pest requires teamwork between scientists, government agencies, and the public. Some current solutions include public awareness, that could encourage people to learn what lanternfly egg masses look like and report sightings. Bringing in their natural predators from their native habitat might be another potential solution. However, researchers have to be extremely careful. Introducing a new species to control another can sometimes cause even bigger problems if the predator starts attacking native insects or spreading uncontrollably. That’s why scientists are studying these wasps in secure labs first, to make sure they’ll only target lanternflies. If successful, biological control could become one of the most eco-friendly and effective ways to manage the invasion.

The spotted lanternfly reminds us that one tiny creature can disrupt entire ecosystems when it ends up in the wrong place. By balancing science, responsibility, and caution, we can control this invasion without creating new environmental problems. The solution may lie in nature itself — we just have to make sure we use it wisely.