Spotted lanternfly

Invasives Alert: Spotted Lanternfly has reached Massachusetts

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive sap-feeding insect that attacks a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Native to China, India, and Vietnam, the insect was first found in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, the population has grown explosively in that state, causing considerable damage to Pennsylvania fruit crops and other agricultural commodities. Infestations have also broken out in Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and Connecticut. Recently, this insect has also been seen in Massachusetts. While these sightings have been limited to a few communities so far, officials stress the need to stay vigilant and report any sighting of the insect to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). Note that the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is native to China, is the main host plant for the Spotted Lanternfly. So please be on the look-out for this invasive tree as well.

For information on how to identify Spotted Lanternfly and to report any you find, click on the Mass DAR lanternfly page.