Spotted lanternflies invasion
Spotted lanternflies are taking over. Here’s what you can do when you spot the invasive red bugs.
- The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia, has been sighted in Tennessee.
- Residents are urged to report sightings, kill any spotted lanternflies or egg masses they find, and check vehicles for hitchhikers.
- It feeds on a wide variety of plants, including trees of heaven, fruit trees, and grapevines.
The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas asks residents to report any sightings of an invasive insect species.
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species native to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, has been seen in Tennessee this spring. The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas shared that it recently received another report of the spotted lanternfly from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The first sighting of a spotted lanternfly in Tennessee was in Davidson County in 2023, with other sightings reported in Wilson County later.
Once established, this species is known to spread rapidly through new areas. The long-distance spread of the spotted lanternfly comes through people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. As of January 2025, Tennessee is reported to be one of 18 states ever to report insect sightings.
Here’s what to know about the spotted lanternfly in Tennessee.
What’s the problem with the spotted lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper first detected in 2014. It is a sapsucking insect that feeds on water and nutrients in plants. The spotted lanternfly gathers in large numbers on host plants and flat surfaces.
Adult spotted lanternflies are prominent in late summer and early fall. They are about one inch long and half an inch wide with spotted and red wings. Spotted lanternflies gather in large numbers on plants, feeding on nutrients and water.
Why are spotted lanternflies bad?
It is a plant stressor, making it more susceptible to other insects and diseases. The spotted lanternfly also produces honeydew as it feeds. The honeydew can coat areas underneath infested plants, causing mold to grow.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says they can spread long distances when people and vehicles move infested material or items containing egg masses.
What attracts spotted lanternflies? The tree of heaven and more
The spotted lanternfly primarily favors the tree of heaven, an invasive tree species in the United States. The tree is prevalent across the state, according to a map tracking invasive species from the University of Georgia.
They can also attack grape vines and fruit trees. Spotted lanternflies will also infest maple, poplar, and walnut trees.
“This pest is known to attack more than 70 species of plants, including several important agricultural crops and a variety of other fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines,” the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas said. “This insect also feeds on maple, walnut, and poplar.”
Spotted lanternfly eggs hatch in the spring and early summer from April through October. Early instar nymphs are black with white spots; fourth instar nymphs are red with black and white spots.
Adult spotted lanternflies, usually seen between July and November, are about one inch long and one-half inch wide. The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches, separated by a white section. The red hindwings are mostly hidden unless the wings are spread.
What to do if you find a spotted lanternfly?
According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, people who see the fly or an egg mass should take photos, fill out a pest identification form, destroy the insect or egg masses by stomping on them or dousing them with rubbing alcohol, and check vehicles, boats and campers to make sure there are no insects or eggs there.
