Quick facts…
- Spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Colorado as of June 2025.
- Scouting efforts for this insect are ongoing and continue to be important to minimizing the potential negative effects it could have on flora across the state.
- Please contact your local county CSU Extension office if you believe you have identified SLF on your property.
Description
Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, (SLF) is an invasive planthopper with a wide host range (70+ species) that includes fruit trees, grapevines, hops, hardwoods and ornamentals. The spotted lantern fly is native to Asia and was first detected in the US in 2014. While it was initially detected in southeastern Pennsylvania, SLF can now be found in several Eastern US states despite major quarantine efforts. Spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Colorado at this time. Scouting efforts for this insect are ongoing and continue to be important to minimizing the potential negative effects it could have on flora across the state.
Figure 1
Spotted lanternflies have one generation per year. This insect overwinters as egg masses laid by adult females the previous fall (September-November). Eggs hatch the following spring (April-June) giving rise to small black nymphs. Egg masses can be found on trees, rocks, vines, posts, vehicles, and equipment with a preferred oviposition (egg-laying) host being the Tree of Heaven (Ailianthus altissima). Egg masses are protected with a mud-like covering which cracks over time. Older egg masses appear as ~1-inch-long columns of brownish seed-like deposits containing anywhere from 30-80 eggs (Figure 2).
Figure 2
This insect goes through four nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Nymphs are 1/8-1/2 inch in length and their coloring is as follows: stages 1-3) black with white spots and stage 4) red with white dots and black stripes (Figure 3). Adults emerge in mid-summer (July) and are black in color with brightly colored hindwings (red, black and white) and grey forewings with black spots, ~1 ½ inches long (Figure 1, 4). Adults are capable of flight but are more often found jumping.
Figure 3
Damage
All nymphal stages of SLF feed on vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) of trunks, cordons (side extensions from the main trunk), and canes (mature, woody shoots of the plant) of susceptible crops. Grape leaves and clusters are not fed upon by the insect. It might be possible to see large aggregations of this insect on grape stems, especially in the fall.
The excrement produced by SLF, termed honeydew, accumulates on leaf surfaces and can attract ants, bees, flies, and wasps. Buildup of honeydew can also be colonized by sooty mold fungi, which serves as a barrier to photosynthesis and can result in a reduction of fruit quality.
Feeding on grapevines has resulted in increased susceptibility to winter injury, reduced fruit set the following year and vine death.
Figure 4
Monitoring
Vineyards and neighboring woodlands should be monitored for adult SLF from late July-November. Nymphs may be present in early summer, but they can be difficult to see. It is important to also scout and monitor Tree of Heaven, the highly desirable host for SLF. Monitoring can be done with visual checks or by using sicky bands wrapped around trees Banding can be used both as a monitoring tool and a management tool. Banding is most effective on nymphal stages while adults have been known to avoid the tape. See the Penn State Extension page for more details on banding.
SLF is an exceptional hitchhiker. If you are traveling from a location where SLF is known, it is important to be vigilant about checking vehicles, shipping containers, or any other items that have been stored outdoors. Look for the insects or egg masses attached to these items. Destroy any egg masses or insects found. Check the map of counties with confirmed infestations of SLF.
Please contact your local county CSU Extension office if you believe you have identified SLF on your property.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture also has a has a reporting form available.
Management
Biological control
In the United States, there are no known natural enemies of SLF thought to reduce populations.
Cultural control
Removal of attractive host plants is recommended, especially Tree of Heaven. See section below for more details. Removal of wild grapes, other wild vines, and weeds is recommended to reduce available habitat for SLF.
Banding nearby trees
See Monitoring section above.
Mechanical destruction of eggs
Other approaches to kill SLF include 1) scraping SLF egg masses with a hard, flat tool into an alcohol solution and 2) physical destruction and/or smashing of egg masses by applying even pressure to entire egg mass (causes eggs to burst).
Destruction of eggs will reduce spring nymph populations. Egg masses can be found on numerous surfaces, including Tree of Heaven, rocks, trees, fence posts, and outdoor furniture in addition to the underside of cordons and on wooden and metal vine posts.
Chemical control
Should you believe you have SLF on your property, please contact your local county CSU Extension office for confirmation before treatment.
Additional Resources
Reference: CSU Fact Sheet 5.627