Beware of This Bug!

Spotted lanternflies are native to China. Scientists think they came to the United States aboard a shipping container. The first lanternfly found in the U.S. was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. The population of these winged invaders has since exploded. 

Lanternflies reproduce rapidly. Females lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time on just about any flat surface. That includes cars and other vehicles that can carry them into new areas.

“They’re very good hitchhikers,” says Hamilton. “Most people don’t even know they’ve got them.” 

Swarms of lanternflies have invaded towns. They not only attack plants and trees but also are a nuisance to people who want to enjoy the outdoors. 

Spotted lanternflies are native to China. Scientists think they came to the United States aboard a shipping container. The first lanternfly found in the U.S. was discovered in Pennsylvania. That was in 2014. The population of these winged invaders has since exploded.

Lanternflies reproduce quickly. Females lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time. They do it on just about any flat surface. That includes cars and other vehicles that can carry them into new areas.

“They’re very good hitchhikers,” says Hamilton. “Most people don’t even know they’ve got them.” 

Swarms of lanternflies have invaded towns. They attack plants and trees. They also bother people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

The good news is that these pests don’t harm humans or animals. The bad news is that lanternflies feast on more than 70 types of trees and plants. They can damage grapes, apples, peaches, and other crops.

Lanternflies don’t chew leaves or bark. Instead, they suck out the nutrients a plant needs to survive. After eating, the insects produce a sugary substance called honeydew. It leads to the growth of a black mold, which can harm plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves. 

In Pennsylvania alone, lanternflies cause about $50 million in damage each year. Experts say that amount could grow to $325 million if the bugs continue spreading throughout the state.

The good news is that these pests don’t harm humans or animals. The bad news is that lanternflies feast on more than 70 types of trees and plants. They can damage grapes, apples, peaches, and other crops.

Lanternflies don’t chew leaves or bark. Instead, they suck out the nutrients a plant needs to survive. After eating, the insects make a sugary substance. It's called honeydew. It leads to the growth of a black mold. This can harm plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves.

In Pennsylvania alone, lanternflies cause about $50 million in damage each year. Experts say that amount could grow. It could reach $325 million if the bugs continue spreading throughout the state.

Praying mantises, spiders, and some birds prey on lanternflies. But experts say that’s not enough to stop the insects’ spread. They say we are one of the best defenses against the winged invaders. 

In the spring, most lanternflies are in the egg stage. If you identify egg clusters on tree trunks, patio furniture, or other surfaces, officials suggest scraping them off. Then you should soak them in a bag or container filled rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. 

If you live in an area where lanternflies have been found, check your car before traveling to make sure you’re not transporting them to a new place. And if you see one, step on it.

“I don’t think we’ll completely solve the problem,” Hamilton says. “But at least we can help.”

Praying mantises, spiders, and some birds prey on lanternflies. But experts say that’s not enough to stop the insects’ spread. They say we are one of the best defenses against the invaders. 

In the spring, most lanternflies are in the egg stage. If you see lanternfly egg clusters on tree trunks, patio furniture, or other surfaces, officials suggest scraping them off. Soak them in a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. 

If you live in an area where lanternflies have been found, check your car before traveling. This is to make sure you’re not moving them to a new place. And if you see one, step on it.

1. Why does entomologist George Hamilton say that spotted lanternflies are “good hitchhikers”?

2. What are two ways that lanternflies harm plants?

3. Summarize the sidebar, “Leave Them Alone!”

1. Why does entomologist George Hamilton say that spotted lanternflies are “good hitchhikers”?

2. What are two ways that lanternflies harm plants?

3. Summarize the sidebar, “Leave Them Alone!”