Spotted Lanternfly

Lycorma delicatula

 

 

Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (SLF for short) is a new invasive plant pest to the United States and represents a threat to Connecticut’s environment, residential areas, and agricultural interests. SLF has spread to multiple states, and in 2020, two small established populations of SLF were found in Fairfield County in Connecticut. As of July 2025, SLF has been seen in all counties, but sustaining populations have not been confirmed in every county. Populations are currently widespread in Fairfield and New Haven counties. 

 

Identify       Report        Quarantine        Resources

 

 

 

What should citizens do if they see a spotted lanternfly (SLF)?

 

Please see the resources below for guidance on the management of spotted lanternfly.

 

Using the reporting tool, members of the public may submit a report if they suspect they have found SLF. Please take a picture of the insect and make note of your address. Reports without pictures and addresses are unable to be processed.  Responses are not guaranteed, as CAES is receiving a significant number of inquiries and will follow up if necessary. All reports are confidential.

 

The State of Connecticut does not currently have a public program for the control of SLF or removal of tree-of-heaven. 

 

  

Background for Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly was first found in North America in Pennsylvania in late 2014. It is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding planthopper that has the potential to impact Connecticut agriculture. It may particularly affect grapes, hops, and ornamental trees. SLF adults are able to feed on more than 70 species of plants. Its preferred host is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is highly invasive and is abundant along highways, in urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas, where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established. SLF has also been reported in DE, IL, IN, KY, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, and WV. 

 

SLF Quarantine in Connecticut

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has issued a Quarantine Order with defined restricted areas for SLF. This insect has been detected in Connecticut with established populations confirmed in Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties and single individuals intercepted in numerous towns. The purpose of this quarantine is to slow the spread of SLF within the state and provide for certification of Connecticut businesses for movement of regulated articles out of state to protect the economic interests of CT’s agricultural industry through the suppression and control of SLF in regulated areas. By providing inspections or compliance agreement methods to permit the movement of regulated articles not infested with spotted lanternfly.

The Director of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station by the authority of Connecticut General Statute Section 22-84 promulgated a Notice of Order of Quarantine to prevent and slow the further spread of this pest and sets forth: definitions, regulated articles, regulated areas, conditions of movement, violations and penalties, and special exemptions for research or cooperation with federal plant regulatory authorities. To read a summary of the public hearing held May 18, 2021 via Webex, click this link: Public Hearing

The quarantine order is effective December 31, 2024, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025 after which the quarantine may be renewed, rescinded by the Director, or replaced by the promulgation of regulations. View the quarantine order by clicking this link: Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Order 

The SLF Compliance Agreement for Nursery and Plant Material

The SLF Compliance Agreement for Non-Plant Material

 

 

 

Resources for SLF

Management/Control Techniques

There are options to slow the spread of SLF, please see our factsheets below:

Spotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals

 

Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents

 

Written instructions to make a Lampshade Trap to capture egg masses 

         -Video Demonstration for making a Lampshade Trap

 

Spotted Lanternfly Management for Vineyards

 

Spotted Lanternfly Checklist for Homeowners, Moving Companies/Industry

 

To see a map of SLF sightings on Cornell CALS's page, click this link: Map of Confirmed SLF Sightings

To see the latest SLF sightings, check out The CAES's press releases by clicking this link: Press Releases

 

How to identify SLF

Adult spotted lanternflies are about one inch long and one half inch wide. They have tan forewings that have black spots, and their signature colorful hindwings have lower red patches and upper black patches, separated with a white section in between. The red hindwings are mostly hidden unless the wings are spread. Adult SLF crawl, jump, or fly short distances. You will see adults from July to November.

 

Fig 1: Side view of adult SLF Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org

Fig 2: Top view of SLF adults with wings open and closed Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

Spotted lanternfly eggs hatch in the spring and early summer. Early instar nymphs are black in color with white spots; fourth instars nymphs are red with black and white spots. You will see nymphs from April to October.

 

Fig 3: Early stage nymph Lawrence Barringer, PDA, Bugwood.org

Fig 4: Late stage nymph Victoria Smith, CAES

Fig 5: SLF adults and late stage nymphs Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Fig 6: Early and late stage nymphs Victoria Smith, CAES

 

The spotted lanternfly eggs masses are laid on practically any surface including trees, stones, trash cans, side of a house, etc. during the fall. Egg masses are yellowish-brown in color, and most are covered with a gray, waxy coating prior to hatching (USDA, 2019). They may appear wet or sticky when fresh. You will see eggs from September to May.

 

Fig 7: Fresh egg mass Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org

Fig 8: Old egg mass Lawrence Barringer, PDA, Bugwood.org

Fig 9: SLF adult and egg masses Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Fig 10: SLF egg masses Lawrence Barringer, PDA, Bugwood.org

 

Where is SLF found?

While tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is a favored host tree, spotted lanternfly may be found on other trees including maple, walnut, and willow. It feeds on agricultural crops like apples, grapes, hops, as well as other fruit trees. It is native to China, India, and Vietnam. The adults tend to congregate on the tree-of-heaven and other host trees in the fall.

To identify Ailanthus altissima: view the tree-of-heaven identification fact sheet

 

 Hitchhiking SLF

Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitch a ride on vehicles and even clothing.

 

What Potential Impact Does SLF Have?

SLF is primarily a significant nuisance pest and has potential to become a serious agricultural pest in CT. Approximately half of Connecticut's trees are threatened by an invasion of SLF, according to data from Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). As SLF nymphs and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, affected plants may become weakened because and cannot conduct photosynthesis as effectively. SLF excrete honeydew during feeding, which may encourage the growth of black sooty mold, and may also impact photosynthesis. Agricultural crops will have reduced yields due to SLF feeding on fruit and generally weakening plants, if not completely destroying them (DEEP, 2020). In infested areas, honeydew may rain down on to surfaces, which can be slippery. Honeydew may attract stinging bees or wasps, which can be a nuisance. In addition, other countries may refuse to accept US agricultural exports, if they feel that they may be contaminated with SLF.

Fig 11: Weeping sap from SLF feeding Gerda Magana, CAES

Fig 12: SLF feeding damage Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org

Fig. 13: A backyard tree infested with SLF Lawrence Barringer, PDA, Bugwood.org

Fig. 14 Sooty mold Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org