What is a spotted lanternfly?
A spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper insect native to Asia that feeds on tree sap and damages a wide range of plants, with populations now established across Westchester County and subject to New York state quarantine rules.
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that arrived in the United States around 2012 and has spread rapidly across the Northeast, including Westchester County. This insect feeds by piercing plant tissue and sucking sap, weakening trees and shrubs while excreting sticky honeydew that promotes fungal growth on leaves and bark.
In the region, spotted lanternflies show a strong preference for tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but they feed on maples, apple trees, fruit crops, and dozens of other woody plants. The pest overwinters as egg masses, which hatch in spring. Nymphs develop through several stages before reaching adulthood in late summer, when adults display distinctive red underwings with black spots that make them recognizable. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs per season, enabling rapid population growth.
Because spotted lanternfly threatens agriculture and forests across New York, the state maintains a quarantine that restricts the movement of certain plant materials and equipment from infested areas. Property owners in Westchester must comply with these regulations when moving firewood, nursery stock, or vehicles that may harbor eggs or insects. Professionals who assess tree damage, manage infestations, or handle potentially contaminated materials need to understand quarantine protocols.
Early detection and reporting of sightings to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation help contain spread. Arborists and tree service professionals in the county work with landowners to monitor for populations and manage affected trees.