Spotted Lanternfly
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect native to Asia, first identified in the United States in 2014. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black body with white spots and bright red underwings. This pest primarily feeds on the sap of various plants, particularly tree of heaven and fruit trees, which can weaken and even kill the host plants.
These insects can cause significant damage to agriculture, especially in vineyards where they affect grape production. The Spotted Lanternfly also produces a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold, further harming plants and disrupting ecosystems.