The Spotted Lanternfly: Long Island’s New Invasive Threat

The Spotted Lanternfly:

Long Island’s New Invasive Threat & How We Can Help Stop It

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has officially made its way to Long Island, and it’s causing quite a stir. Originally from Asia, this invasive species has spread rapidly across parts of the United States in recent years, and its presence is now threatening the delicate balance of our local ecosystems and agriculture here on Long Island. From vineyards to ornamental plants, the Spotted Lanternfly has no shortage of potential hosts, and its impact could be severe if left unchecked.

However, like many invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly presents a unique challenge—and an opportunity for us to better understand how we interact with our environment. Let’s explore the story behind this invasive insect, how to identify it, what the consequences are for Long Island, and most importantly, what we can do to help protect our local ecosystems.

What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The Spotted Lanternfly is a striking insect, and its appearance alone can catch anyone’s eye. Native to China, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia, it was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread across multiple states, including New York, where it now poses a direct threat to Long Island’s environment and economy.

How to Identify a Spotted Lanternfly:

• Adults: The adult Spotted Lanternfly is about 1 inch long, with wings that are visually distinctive. The front wings are gray with black spots, while the hind wings are a bright red with black and white patterning. Its wingspan and vibrant colors make it look like a beautiful moth—but don’t let its beauty fool you. It is a serious threat.
• Nymphs: Younger nymphs are black with white spots, and as they mature, they develop bright red patches before turning into full adults.
• Egg Masses: The Spotted Lanternfly lays eggs in masses that resemble a smear of mud or mortar. They are often laid on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and even buildings, making it easy for them to hitchhike to new areas.

It’s crucial to become familiar with all stages of the Spotted Lanternfly’s lifecycle, as identifying and destroying the eggs or nymphs early on can be key to controlling its spread.

What Does It Mean to Be “Invasive”?

An invasive species is any non-native organism that is introduced to a new environment, where it has no natural predators and can therefore multiply and spread unchecked. This lack of natural controls gives invasive species a competitive advantage over native species, allowing them to dominate new ecosystems at the expense of local plants, animals, and even humans.

In the case of the Spotted Lanternfly, it has no known predators in the U.S., so its population has been able to explode in recent years. Left unchecked, the Spotted Lanternfly can rapidly become an overwhelming presence, displacing native species and damaging valuable crops.

The Spotted Lanternfly & the Tree of Heaven: An Invasive Duo

Adding to the complexity of this situation is the Spotted Lanternfly’s relationship with another invasive species—the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). This fast-growing, non-native tree has also been spreading across Long Island and other parts of the U.S., particularly in urban and suburban areas where it outcompetes native trees and plants.

The Tree of Heaven is the preferred host of the Spotted Lanternfly, which feeds on its sap and often uses the tree to reproduce. Unfortunately, the combination of these two invasive species creates a feedback loop, where the spread of the Tree of Heaven helps facilitate the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly. This can have cascading effects on local ecosystems, as both species displace native plants and disrupt the food chains that rely on them.

The Impact on Long Island’s Agriculture & Ecology

Agricultural Threats: One of the most significant concerns with the Spotted Lanternfly is its impact on agriculture. This insect feeds on the sap of over 70 different plant species, including many crops that are important to Long Island’s agricultural industry. Grape vines, apple trees, hops, and hardwoods are all vulnerable to damage from the Spotted Lanternfly, which can weaken plants, reduce yields, and make them more susceptible to disease.

Long Island’s wineries, in particular, are at risk. Grapes are a favorite of the Spotted Lanternfly, and large infestations can devastate vineyards, affecting both the quantity and quality of the grapes produced. This poses a real threat not only to farmers but also to the local economy, which relies on tourism and wine production as significant sources of income.

Environmental Consequences: Beyond agriculture, the Spotted Lanternfly threatens Long Island’s natural ecosystems. The insects feed on a wide variety of native trees, including maples, black walnuts, and birches. By feeding on the sap, they weaken the trees over time, making them more vulnerable to other pests, diseases, and environmental stressors like drought.

As the Spotted Lanternfly spreads, it could reduce biodiversity by displacing native plants and the animals that depend on them. Additionally, the insect excretes a sugary substance called “honeydew,” which can promote the growth of sooty mold. This mold not only discolors plants and structures but can also prevent plants from performing photosynthesis, further harming their health.

Personal Impact: How the Spotted Lanternfly Affects You

You might wonder, “How does this tiny insect affect my daily life?” Unfortunately, the consequences of an unchecked Spotted Lanternfly infestation can be felt on both small and large scales.

In Your Yard: Homeowners might start to notice the Spotted Lanternfly feeding on ornamental plants and trees. Their honeydew can also attract other pests like ants and wasps, making your yard less enjoyable. The sooty mold that grows as a result of honeydew can damage the appearance of patios, cars, and outdoor furniture.

While Hiking and Enjoying Nature: For those who enjoy the outdoors, Spotted Lanternfly infestations can affect hiking trails and natural parks. Tree damage caused by the insect can reduce the overall health and appearance of forests. Additionally, more invasive species in an area can reduce biodiversity, making ecosystems less resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges.

Impact on Local Food Prices: As the Spotted Lanternfly affects agricultural production, local food prices could rise. Crops like apples and grapes may become more expensive as farmers incur losses and face the challenge of protecting their crops from this invasive pest.

What You Can Do: Squish, Report, and Protect

While the Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious threat, there are steps we can take to help control its spread and mitigate its impact.

Squish It!
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, squish it. While it may feel strange to think of squishing an insect as a public service, every Spotted Lanternfly you destroy is one less that can reproduce and continue the cycle of damage.

Report Sightings
Help state and local officials track the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly by reporting any sightings. You can report Spotted Lanternfly sightings to the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets using this website. By doing so, you’re providing valuable data that can help experts better understand the extent of the infestation and take action where necessary.

Remove the Tree of Heaven
If you have a Tree of Heaven on your property, consider removing it. This will reduce the habitat available to the Spotted Lanternfly and help prevent its spread. However, be sure to consult a professional arborist, as improper removal can cause the tree to spread even more aggressively.

Be Aware When Traveling
The Spotted Lanternfly can easily hitch a ride on vehicles, outdoor equipment, and even firewood. Before traveling, check your vehicle and belongings for any signs of the insect or its egg masses. If you’re transporting firewood, be sure to only use local wood to prevent spreading pests to new areas. In fact, within New York State, most firewood is legally restricted to less than 50 miles of transport from its source.

Forgotten Skillz & Our Role in Protecting Our Ecosystems

At Forgotten Skillz, we believe in living in harmony with nature and doing our part to protect the ecosystems around us. Controlling invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly and the Tree of Heaven is essential to maintaining the balance of our natural world. By learning about and engaging with the natural environment, we not only develop a deeper understanding of the world around us but also gain the skills needed to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Together, we can make a difference by staying vigilant, taking action, and spreading awareness about the Spotted Lanternfly. Let’s work as a community to protect Long Island’s natural beauty and the ecosystems that sustain us all.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Spotted Lanternfly on Long Island is a reminder that our ecosystems are constantly changing—and that we have a role to play in maintaining their health. By identifying and controlling the spread of invasive species, we can protect our agriculture, natural landscapes, and communities from the harm they cause.

Next time you see a Spotted Lanternfly, remember: squish it, report it, and stay informed. Together, we can protect the land we all call home.

To report a sighting to the New York State department of Agriculture & Markets, visit this link.

Author: Michael A. Evans

.Michael A Evans is a passionate advocate for preserving and reviving ancestral knowledge through modern applications. As the founder of Forgotten Skillz, he is dedicated to teaching the skills of self-sufficiency, bushcraft, and sustainable living, drawing inspiration from historical practices to empower individuals in today’s world. Michael’s work extends beyond survival skills; he also leads Vision Martial Arts in Patchogue, NY, where he guides both adults and children in realizing their potential through martial arts. Additionally, Michael contributes to the educational field as a collaborator on the “Little Laurie Science Stories” book series and the Ninja Née Science Education Program. With a background in therapeutic massage from the NY College of Health Professions, Michael continues to provide holistic care as the lead therapist at Massage LI.