The lanternfly, a diminutive invasive pest from China, has been wreaking havoc on US ecosystems and agriculture since its arrival in 2014. This voracious bug feeds on plant sap, weakening plants and trees, making them vulnerable to disease and predators.
Identifying Lanternflies: A Key to Eradication
Adult lanternflies are distinctive:
‣ Grey wings with black spots
‣ Red and black underwings (about 1 inch long)
Nymphs transform from black with white spots to red as they mature. Their needle-shaped mouths pierce plants to extract sap and nutrients.
The Devastating Consequences
Lanternflies’ sticky honeydew fosters sooty mould growth, choking photosynthesis and threatening the very life of our green spaces.
Take Action: Protect Our Ecosystems
If you spot a lanternfly:
‣ Squash adults and nymphs immediately
‣ Destroy egg masses (resembling grey mud smears) with hand sanitizer or alcohol
Your swift action is crucial in safeguarding our environment and the planet’s health. Don’t underestimate the lanternfly’s destructive potential – every small action counts.
Join the fight against this invasive pest and preserve the beauty and vitality of our natural world!
