An invasive pest is slowly expanding throughout the country \u2014 and Florida may soon be in its crosshairs.<\/p>\n
More specifically, that pest \u2014 the spotted lanternfly \u2014 is a type of \u201cplanthopper\u201d that\u2019s native to China but found its way into Pennsylvania starting in 2014, according to the UF\/IFAS<\/a>.<\/p>\n From there, it began to spread into surrounding states. So far in 2025, researchers with Cornell IPM say that the bug has been reported in 21 states, now including Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n True to their moniker<\/a>, adult lanternflies may appear colorful, with red hind wings that are dotted with black spots.<\/p>\n Invasive spotted lanternfly found in Michigan for first time<\/p>\n However, the problem is that these lanternflies feed by piercing plants via leaves, stems and trunks to suck up sap. Not only does this weaken the plant, but the lanternflies also excrete honeydew while eating, which can result in sooty mold growth.<\/p>\n As a result of these behaviors, spotted lanternflies have decimated agricultural crops across the northeastern U.S., including apples, grapes, hops, maple, walnuts and more, according to New York state officials<\/a>.<\/p>\n An ant on a leaf covered with spotted lanternfly honeydew. Photo by Scotty Yang for Virginia Tech. (Copyright 2025 by Virginia Tech – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n So far, these lanternflies haven\u2019t been reported out of Florida, but given their slow creep into the south, it may not be long before these bugs are spotted in the Sunshine State.<\/p>\n Furthermore, Florida state officials point to the tree of heaven as a preferred host plant, which has been documented in the state as far south as Hillsborough County. The plant is relatively scarce compared to northern states, but it\u2019s still an incentive for these critters to travel further south.<\/p>\n \u201cThe presence of other potential host plants, such as chinaberry and Virginia creeper, puts Florida at some risk for establishment of this pest,\u201d state officials wrote in a 2020 Pest Alert<\/a>.<\/p>\n Spotted Lanternfly nymphs<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to keep an eye out for spotted lanternflies, though UF\/IFAS researchers explain that the bug can be found in a variety of life stages:<\/p>\n Egg Casings \u2014 These are covered by a gray, waxy secretion and often found on smooth surfaces like buildings or the bark of certain trees.<\/p>\n Egg mass of the spotted lanternfly (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)<\/p>\n Nymphs \u2014 During much of this growth stage, the spotted lanternfly appears mostly black with white spots. But in its fourth and final stage, it develops red markings on its body<\/p>\n Spotted lanternflies rest on a branch in West Orange, N.J., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. (AP Photo\/Seth Wenig) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Adults \u2014 They have light-brown forewings dotted with black spots, giving them a coloration that helps them to blend in with branches and bark when their wings aren\u2019t out.<\/p>\n In this Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, photo, spotted lanternfly gather on a tree in Kutztown, Pa. The spotted lanternfly has emerged as a serious pest since the federal government confirmed its arrival in southeastern Pennsylvania five years ago this week. (AP Photo\/Matt Rourke) (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Officials warn that these insects and their egg masses may be found on goods and plant materials imported into Florida from infested states.<\/p>\n Anyone within the state who happens to stumble across one of these pests is urged to report it to the Florida Department of Agriculture<\/a>.<\/p>\n