Spotted Lantern Fly: The Invasive Species That’s Harming Trees in New York City

The spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect that was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to 13 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The spotted lantern fly is a sap-sucker, meaning it feeds on the sap of plants. This can damage trees and other plants, and it can also make them more susceptible to other pests and diseases.

Regarding the city, the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Harlem are seeing the highest concentrations of these pests. Residents of these areas must be especially vigilant in reporting sightings and inspecting for egg masses.

Due to the abundance of trees, parks like Central Park and Riverside Park are SLF havens. However, infestations aren’t limited to parks. They’re popping up along streets, backyards, and balconies.

The spotted lantern fly is native to Asia, and it is not known how it arrived in the United States. However, it is believed that it may have come in on shipping containers from Asia. The spotted lantern fly is a serious threat to the environment and economy of the Northeast. It can damage trees and other plants, and it can also make them more susceptible to other pests and diseases. The spotted lantern fly can also produce a sticky substance that can coat surfaces and make them slippery. This can be a nuisance for people and animals, and it can also damage property.

The Egg Clusters and Adult Spotted Lantern Flies Can Damage Trees

The spotted lantern fly lays its eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. These egg clusters are about the size of a quarter and are brown or black in color. The adult spotted lantern flies are about 1 inch long and have a bright yellow and black striped pattern. They are often seen clustered on trees or other plants.

The egg clusters and adult spotted lantern flies can both damage trees. The egg clusters can weaken the leaves and branches of trees, and the adult spotted lantern flies can suck the sap out of trees, which can also weaken them. This can make trees more susceptible to pests and diseases, and it can also make them more likely to die.