What if I told you there was a creature lurking in your backyard capable of wreaking havoc on your garden, crops, and local environment?
It may look harmless at first, but don’t be fooled – this seemingly innocent bug can be your garden’s worst nightmare. People in the eastern United States are already sounding the alarm as they battle an invasive species that threatens to destroy everything in its path. Read on to find out why you need to act now before this threat gets worse.
People in the eastern United States fight against a dangerous creature that threatens to destroy everything in its path.
The spotted lamprey may seem harmless at first, but if you spot one of these highly invasive insects, don’t hesitate to take action.
Read on to find out why this error should be fixed!
A quick search of “lantern” on social media reveals numerous posts of people proudly showing off their efforts to eradicate these pests, which originate in China and begin mating in late summer.
“I got run over by my car because apparently this lantern is an incredibly invasive species and everyone should be killing them,” says Marques Brownlee, a social media influencer from New Jersey.
Another user shares his success story: “Going out for a walk, saw a lantern. CHOKE. Yay! Another few steps later. SLEEP. Yay!” They even posted a photo of a tree covered in a mass of nymphs, adding: “Just a few more steps… oh no.”
Spotted lantern overview
The spotted lantern (*Lycorma delicatula*) is a highly invasive species that poses major ecological and economic risks.
Since arriving in Pennsylvania from China in 2014, it has spread across North America. The lanternfly feeds on plants such as fruit trees (apple, cherry, and grape) and hardwoods (maple, walnut), weakening and eventually killing them. It also produces honeydew, a sticky substance that promotes the growth of established fungi that further damage the plants.
How do they look
From late summer to fall, the lanternfly lays 30-50 eggs and produces a mass covered in a waxy slime-like coating. These masses are initially light gray to brown, darkening over time.
Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs are black with white spots, changing to a bright reddish color with black edges and white dots as they mature.
When fully grown, lanterns are about an inch long, with gray forewings marked with black spots. Their lower wings are red, also spotted with black, and bordered with white.
They feed by piercing plant tissues with their needle-like mouths, which weakens plants and can cause death in large numbers.
Impact on ecosystems and agriculture
Economic Damage: Spotted lanternflies can severely damage crops such as grapes, apples, and peaches, as well as hardwoods. Their feeding weakens the plants, which often leads to significant crop losses.
Ecological impact: Lantern also disrupts local ecosystems. By feeding on a wide variety of plants, they alter plant communities and threaten the animals that depend on those plants.
How to control and kill lanterns
Due to the rapid spread and destructive nature of spotted lanternflies, multiple methods are needed to effectively manage and eliminate them.Â
Here are some strategies for dealing with these pests:
Egg masses: Scrape egg masses from tree trunks, fences, or other outdoor areas. Put them in a sealed bag with alcohol or disinfectant and throw them in the trash.
Nymphs and Adults: Crush nymphs and adults when you see them, either with your hands, feet or a tool like a broom. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact.
If you are in an area under quarantine for lanterns, follow all local regulations to prevent their spread. In addition, report any sightings to local authorities or agricultural bureaus to assist with control efforts.
In conclusion, the spotted lanternfly is a dangerous and highly invasive pest that poses serious risks to both local ecosystems and the agricultural industry. Its destructive feeding habits can weaken and eventually kill a variety of plant species, including important crops such as apples, grapes, and peaches. Alfalfa honeydew production also encourages the growth of sooty mold, which further damages the plants. Consequently, the economic and ecological impacts of this pest cannot be underestimated.
Although the lantern may seem harmless at first glance, individuals must take action when encountering it. By following simple but effective control methods such as scraping egg masses, crushing nymphs and adults, and reporting sightings to local authorities, people can help limit the spread of this invasive species and protect the environment.
As the battle against spotted lanternflies continues, collaborative efforts will be key to limiting its damage. By staying informed, taking precautions, and sharing knowledge, we can all play a role in protecting our communities and natural landscapes from this devastating pest.
Share this story to spread awareness about the damage these lanterns are doing to our environment!