A sudden increase of spotted lanternflies has Pennsylvania inhabitants concerned, with local communities bracing for the potential impact on the ecosystem and economy.

     The spotted lanternfly is recognizable by its gray exterior, red underwings and black spots; with its wings outspread, it could be mistaken for a butterfly. The insect itself is harmless to humans but can harm the environment, particularly plants, which can impact the economy. 

     According to Science Direct, lanternflies are a type of ‘planthopper,’ the name that entomologists use to refer to small jumping insects that feed on plants. Although they possess wings, lanternflies are not strong fliers and generally move by hopping from place to place. In addition, Penn-Trafford biology teacher Dave Babik explained that lanternflies consume the sugars inside plant trunks and stems, severely damaging saplings and vines. 

     Lanternflies extensively feed on grapevines; considerable harm has been dealt upon vineyards, resulting in reduced starch levels in roots and lower sugar concentrations in harvested grapes. This decline in grapevine health may also lead to decreased yields in the following year and could potentially kill the vines. Economically, these factors can lead to increased costs for vineyard owners and a potential rise in wine prices, which would affect consumers and the broader agricultural market.

     Babik created a “Lantern Fly Kill Count” in 2022, in which students from his environmental science classes helped reduce the spotted lanternflies’ population while learning about their impact on the ecosystem. While Babik does not teach environmental science anymore and therefore does not have the kill count, he stated that smashing lanternflies is still a good idea. 

     “In [that] class, I was explaining what the lanternflies are, what they do, and why we kill them,” Babik stated. 

     Many people in the local communities — and across the country — have reduced the amount of lanternflies by killing them on sight.  

     “A more effective idea would be to destroy the eggs that they lay on tree trunks and other structures,” Babik added.

     Babik and other experts agree that the best time to kill lanternflies is winter, as that is when they typically lay their eggs; in late spring, they develop into nymphs before becoming adults in the summer. Lanternflies have a one-year lifespan.

     Babik stated that predators native to the United States may start preying on lanternflies and their populations will stabilize.

     “They are an invasive species,” he said. “It is believed that, like stink bugs, lanternflies are now here to stay.”

Abby Dreistadt, Editor in Chief