An Editorial by Colin Nicolaou

                                                 Spotted Lanternfly!

Kill On Sight!

This Invasive Species is capable of killing many important plants in our ecosystem. They feed on sap from 70 different plant species and excrete honeydew that attract wasps and other insects, as well as allowing fungi to grow. They are a threat to the economy since they can kill many plants important to the agriculture industry. 

Identification

The Spotted Lanternfly is about 1 inch long and ½ inch wide. The front wings are grey with black spots, while their hind wings are red with black spots, as well as black and white stripes. Only the front wings are visible unless they are in flight. Their body and legs are black, except for patches of yellow on the abdomen. Eggs are laid in groups of about 40, and are covered with a gray putty-like substance.

History

This species is native to China, India, and Vietnam. They have spread not just to the U.S, but also South Korea and Japan. It is speculated that the lanternfly arrived in a shipment of stone from China, though that is not certain.

How To Kill

Spotted lanternflies will often jump away from an attacker, often avoiding the threat. After a jump, the bug will often lose stamina and become vulnerable. The most simple method for killing is to simply step on them. After just a few hops, they won't have the energy to get away. Some other strategies include:

• Keeping a bottle of insecticide handy

• Spraying vinegar on unwanted weeds, as it will kill both the bug and plant

• Planting milkweed as they are unaware that they are poisonous

It is also important, if not more, to destroy the eggs. They can survive through winter, giving them the opportunity to come back each year. They can be scraped off with a card, and then crushed by a stone

With your help, we can help save the environment from these pests. Remember to keep an eye on plants and be prepared to stomp on them at a moment’s notice.

Sources:

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Planet Princeton

Image provided by: farmanddairy.com