#lycorma

[toothedgoose]

Vespula sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

Yellowjacket and spotted lanternfly

Avispa chaqueta amarilla y la mosca linterna manchada

9 of September 2025 — Pennsylvania, USA

While this yellowjacket appears to be consuming the spotted lanternfly, adult yellowjackets exclusively feed on nectar. The reason these wasps collect sources of protein (they also like to take turkey from my sandwiches, for example), is to bring it back to their young who require it for their development. They’re very cute, I’m so fond of them.

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Spotted lanternflies are taking over my life...

[petribread]

Lycorma, aka the Lantern Fly. A bug native to China and despite looking like a moth, it's not one and is actually an invasive species in the US that I've been seeing a TON of. If you see one in the US KILL IT (or you could also report it).

[eumorpha-dream]

When I was field collecting in PA this past weekend, I got to see a lot of these pretty, yet horrible invasive insect. This is Lycorma delicatula, or the Spotted Lanternfly. This pest was introduced from Asia, and has established itself all over PA, as well as been detected in several other states. The preferred host of this pest is Ailanthus, or Tree of Heaven, however they’ll feed on virtually any plant. This pest is sort of like an aphid in the sense they suck the sap of trees. They’ll also leave large gross areas on trees which quickly mold, damaging the tree. If you see one of these and aren’t in the PA quarantine zone, consider reporting it to your states agricultural department. #Lycorma #Lycormadelicatula #SpottedLanternfly #SLF #Agriculture #Pest #Invasive #InvasiveInsect #Pennsylvania #PAnature #Hemiptera #Bug #Insect https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZWlCbA5Zv/?igshid=1060xtci02792

[calosoma-amitch]

Lanternflies Eat Everything in Sight. The U.S. Is Looking Delicious.

The invasive insects turned up in Pennsylvania in 2014. Now the state has placed 3,000 square miles under quarantine, and scientists worry the pest will spread.

For our fellow Mid-Atlantic entomologists and bug enthusiasts, be on the lookout this summer for a potentially terrible invasive, the spotted lanternfly. 

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Oh hey, been a bit absent from Bug of the Day, even missed my ...18th??? Buggiversary earlier this week. Please give me a shout out if you are reading this and you are younger than Bug of the Day LOL.

Anyway, please enjoy this video compilation I made for work, we now have spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) nearby and it is making work life a bit hectic.

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Sometimes I get to do fun things at work :-)

[calosoma-amitch]

Invasive insect 'hitchhikes' to Delaware : Science : WHYY

A non-native insect posing a potential threat to agriculture has hitched a ride to Delaware—and now a state investigation is underway to find out if it was a lone traveler.

SCIENCE SATURDAY

A little closer to home for us Mid-Atlantic folk, but something to be aware of for those traveling through the area when the weather warms up. A new invasive species that is predicted to become a major agricultural and garden pest in the area has been discovered in an adjacent state, and additional studies may reveal ecological damage from its invasion in the future.