Why Scientists Say You Should Kill This Moth

Killing a creature is usually not something you’ll hear scientists telling people to do. But when the target is the Spotted Lanternfly, it’s a different story. The invasive insect has been spotted in North Carolina in Kernersville, just east of Winston-Salem.

Beautiful Creature can Wreak Havoc

Visually, the Spotted Lanternfly (scientific name Lycorma delicatula) is a beautiful moth. The adult sports a brown, black and red dotted pattern on its wings and a yellow abdomen. But it’s a voracious eater and can decimate plants. The spotted lantern is known to kill grapevines, and it also feeds on more than 100 species of plants, including hops, fruit trees, native trees and popular plants used for landscaping.

Prediction Holds True

The Spotted Lanternfly is native to Asia. The first U.S. sighting of the Spotted Lanternfly was in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has been found in nine other states in New England and the Midwest. In late 2021, an infestation was found near the Virginia-North Carolina state line. It’s believed the Spotted Lanternfly moved into the area on a shipment or a vehicle, as they lay eggs on smooth outdoor surfaces such as lumber, landscaping materials, vehicles or equipment. 

The Search is On

North Carolina Department of Agriculture officials say initial surveys indicate the Spotted Lanternfly distribution is within a five-mile radius of where it was spotted in Forsyth County; from Interstate-40 near Kernersville up to Guilford County.

“Heavy concentrations of insects were found in a few locations, signifying this is an established colony that has been there for several years and not a single-insect occurrence,” said Steve Troxler, North Carolina Department of Agriculture Commissioner in a news release. 

“We are especially concerned because the Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious threat to the state’s wine and grape industries and can feed and cause damage to more than 70 species of plants including apples, roses and other landscape plants,” adds Troxler.

Members of the NCDOA Plant Industry Division and the North Carolina Forest Service are surveying the area and moving quickly to eradicate the insect.  The agency is asking people to be on the lookout for more Spotted Lanternfly and report any suspected sightings. 

A Sticky Situation

The problem begins with the Spotted Lanternfly's habit of excreting a substance called "honeydew," a sticky, sweet goop that falls from the insects as they feed on tree sap. Honeydew lands on homes, cars, decks and outdoor equipment, like grills, and is a growth medium for sooty mold — a nasty looking fungus. The excreted substance is also attractive to bees and wasps, which can cause their own sorts of trouble.

You Can Help

How bad could this be? A 2019 report from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences estimates the economic costs from agricultural harm in that state could exceed $300 million.

If you think you’ve seen a Spotted Lanternfly, report it! The faster NCDA&CS can respond to an an infestation, the greater their chances of management are. Use this online form.

PBS North Carolina and Sci NC appreciate the support of The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.