Пятнистая фонарная муха распространилась по всем восьми округам штата Коннектикут

If you’ve spent time outdoors in Connecticut over the last few years, you may have noticed a striking insect with spotted wings and bright red hindwings. The spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula ) has become increasingly common across the state, raising questions from homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While this invasive insect does not bite or sting people, it can pose serious challenges for agriculture and can be a nuisance when large numbers gather on trees, vines, and outdoor surfaces. What is the spotted lanternfly? The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect native to parts of Asia. It was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and was confirmed in Connecticut in 2020. Since then, it has spread throughout the state and has been reported in all eight Connecticut counties. Spotted lanternflies are planthoppers that feed by piercing plants and extracting sap. They go through several life stages, beginning as eggs that overwinter outdoors, followed by four nymph stages before emerging as adults in mid to late summer. Why is it a concern? The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 60 types of plants in North America and is particularly attracted to the invasive tree-of-heaven and grape vines. It can also feed on many native trees and agricultural crops including apples, peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots. As of now, growers and residents should only be concerned with potential impacts to grape vines; it is still considered a nuisance only to other plants and trees. As lanternflies feed, they excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew. This sticky residue can encourage the growth of sooty mold, which coats leaves and fruit, reduces photosynthesis, and creates a mess on vehicles, decks, and outdoor furniture. Vineyards are especially vulnerable. Researchers have observed reduced fruit quality and yield in heavily infested vineyards, and repeated feeding can weaken grapevines and reduce their winter survival. How can you identify spotted lanternfly? Different life stages look very different: Egg masses are covered with a gray, mud-like coating and are often found on trees, stones, vehicles, outdoor equipment, and other surfaces. Young nymphs are black with white spots. Older nymphs develop bright red coloration along with black and white markings. Adults are about an inch long with tan-gray forewings covered in black spots and distinctive red, black, and white hindwings visible when they open their wings. What should Connecticut residents do? Because spotted lanternflies frequently hitchhike on vehicles, trailers, recreational equipment, and outdoor materials, one of the most effective ways to slow their spread is to inspect items before moving them, especially when traveling from heavily infested areas. Homeowners can also help by learning to recognize and destroy egg masses when they are accessible and by monitoring trees and vines for signs of infestation. In agricultural settings, additional management options may be available when populations reach damaging levels. Nymphs and adults can be treated with contact insecticides including insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or other insecticides according to label instructions. Homemade insecticides using dish soap, vinegar, cooking oil, or salt should not be used as these have not been researched for effectiveness or environmental safety. If you observe a spotted lanternfly, report sightings through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s reporting system. Monitoring and public reporting help researchers and agencies track the insect spread across the state. Learn More Read the full UConn Extension fact sheet, Spotted Lanternfly. Ask UConn Extension is a series that connects Connecticut residents with research-based answers from UConn Extension experts on issues affecting our communities, environment, food systems, and daily lives.