Lanternfly Invasion
Lanternflies on Maple Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/20/25
We sit perched on our chair or a flat rock with our binoculars trained to the sky in search of migrating hawks. Constantly interrupting our field of view, however, is a constant stream of an invasive insect that has all but taken over the skies. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect native to parts of Asia. This insect has become a significant agricultural pest in the United States. Although its preferred host plant is the Ailanthus (for some unknown reason aka the “Tree of Heaven”), it also feeds on the sap of various plants, including grapes, maples, and fruit trees, causing damage that can lead to decreased crop yields and weakened trees. Recognizable by its distinctive spotted wings clearly visible in the photo above, the lanternfly spreads rapidly through human activity and natural movemeit, posing a threat to local ecosystems and economies.
The Lanternflies seen above are on a Sugar maple located at the Bear Mt Hawkwatch, so these are our constant companions on the mountain. An ailanthus tree (ironically another ivasive species also from Asia) is nearby and is literally covered with these parasites. In their countries of origin, the lanterfly is naturally controlled by a parasitizing wasp which is not found here in the states. Scientists are working at finding the most effective means of controlling the spread of these pests without casuing harm to other native plants and animals. Until a control is found, the lanternfly will continue to spread west and causing harm to vineyards, native fruit and hardwood trees and other plants.
The Lanternfly feeds on the sap of the plants leaving behind a sugary waste fluid which encourages harmful mold growth.
Spotted Lanternflies on Ailanthus Bear Mt Hawkwatch 9/20/25
Hopefully a remedy to the spread of this harmful invasive will be realized in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we folks at the Hawkwatch will have to get used to seeing more invasive insects in our binoculars than migrating hawks!
