Spotted lanternfly is an insect pest introduced to the United States from Asia. No, but spotted lanternfly is in the eastern United States. Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, an invasive planthopper native to China, India and Vietnam, is thought to have arrived as egg masses on a stone shipment in 2012.The first infestation was found in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014 in a wooded area of Ailanthus altissima, or Tree of Heaven. “We are surprised by how the spotted lanternfly distribution closely matched that of the tree-of-heaven,” Wakie says. Photo: Tim Weigle, NYSIPM. How do these two species relate? The insects are strikingly colored and fairly easy to identify. Spotted lanternfly is the approved ESA common name, however these insects are also referred to as the spot clothing wax cicada, or the spotted wax cicada (Figure 1). Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Adults and nymphs pierce plants and feed on sap from stems. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is monitoring for this pest. On February 28, 2019, the Delaware Department of Agriculture signed Emergency Regulations for Spotted Lanternfly that has enacted a quarantine for this pest. Spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in September of 2014. Photo: Tim Weigle, NYSIPM. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. Already established in six states and detected in an additional four, it likely will keep spreading, and grape growers across the country must be prepared. The spotted lanternfly, a planthopper that has already caused significant damage to vineyards in Pennsylvania, is spreading beyond that state. Here's what to do about the invasive insect showing up in Pa. Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, an invasive planthopper native to China, India and Vietnam, is thought to have arrived as egg masses on a stone shipment in 2012.The first infestation was found in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014 in a wooded area of Ailanthus altissima, or Tree of Heaven. 2016). These conditions in the United States align with zones where tree of heaven—a non-native species itself, introduced to North America in the late 1700s—is commonly found. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an exotic insect that was accidentally introduced into the United States and first detected about five years ago (Photo 1).It is native to Asia, feeds on a broad range of woody plant species, and could become a threat to our nation's forests, orchards and nurseries. The first Spotted Lanternfly nymphs were spotted last weekend in Berks County. The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive plant hopper species native to southern Asia.It was firstidentified in North America in Berks County, PA … First, if you have not heard of the spotted lanternfly, you will. The Spotted Lanternfly is a plant hopper native to China, India and Vietnam, and has been introduced in South Korea and Japan. In Korea, where it was first detected in 2004, the Spotted Lanternfly is known utilize more than 70 species, 25 of which also occur in Pennsylvania, including cultivated grapes, fruit trees, and hardwood species.