Spotted lanternfly

Epic card · No. 10545

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a species of planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It was accidentally introduced into South Korea and has spread invasively to Japan, 21 U.S. states, and Windsor, Ontario in Canada, (where it is often referred to by the acronym "SLF") and parts of Eastern Europe including Moldova. Its preferred host is the also invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and the Malus (apple) genus. In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are regulated by parasitic wasps. The spotted lanternfly's life cycle is often centered on 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 nymphs that develop a red pigmentation and wings as they mature. Early life instars have a large host range that narrows...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0