If You Ever Spot This Insect, Get Rid of It Immediately! 🐞
Understanding the Threat of the Lanternfly
To be honest, I’ve never really liked bugs. While many of us find insects to be intriguing and visually appealing, I believe we can all agree that some may be downright terrifying. And then there are the ones that are merely poisonous, killing out not just humans but also crops, animals, and plants. Whenever I see an insect, I usually simply ignore it. There has to be a valid cause for me to hurt any living thing; else, I will not do it. But things alter dramatically when we consider the lanternfly, scientifically known as Lycorma delicatula.
As soon as you see a lanternfly, you should probably get rid of it. Trust me when I say that I have personally dealt with these pesky insects in my own garden. Their vibrant colors and unique patterns made them nearly gorgeous as they swarmed around my beloved maple tree. These insects may not seem dangerous, but they are really rather damaging.
Lanternflies, what are they?
Despite its endearing moniker, the lanternfly is a major nuisance. Its 2014 sighting in Pennsylvania was the first American sighting of this Chinese import. It has been wreaking havoc on crops and ecosystems ever since, making its way across many states. The lanternfly is an issue for both commercial growers and those like myself who grow plants in our private gardens.
The Devastation They Produce
The sap of many different plants and trees is the food source for lanternflies. Because they excrete a sticky, sweet material called honeydew, this feeding process damages the plant and may also cause sooty mold to proliferate. To make matters worse, this mold prevents the plant from producing oxygen via photosynthesis, so suffocating it. As far as I could tell, the mold was spreading, and the formerly brilliant maple leaves were becoming drab and dark.
Way the Lanternfly Looks
The proliferation of lanternflies may be controlled provided their identification is ensured. Their adult size is around half an inch across and an inch long. Their gray wings marked with black specks give them a distinctive frontal look, while their underbelly reveals a pattern of red and black. Their crimson underwings provide a striking visual display as they soar through the air. Prior to reaching adulthood, the nymphs, or juveniles, change color from black to red and have white dots all over them.
Methods for Feeding
A lanternfly may get at the plant’s sap by using its long, needle-like mouthpart to puncture it. Insects that feed in this manner are especially dangerous because they may drain the plant of its vital vitality by going straight to its nutrition routes. It was interesting and terrifying to see them work on my plants.
My First Encounters
I said before that Pennsylvania was the first state in the United States to record the presence of lanternflies. Their arrival was most likely facilitated by an Asian cargo of stones or other commodities. Since their discovery, they have been making their way throughout the United States, mostly along the East Coast. However, as they discover new habitats and host plants, their range is gradually extending.
What to Do When Encountered with a Lanternfly?
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE
