Spotted Lanternfly

Lycorma delicatula

0 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.

Quick Reference

Order
Hemiptera
Type
sucking-insect
Host Plants
0
GDD₃₂ First adult activity
3,700
Indicator: Bottlebrush buckeye first bloom
Peak Activity
Adults midsummer through first hard freeze; peak feeding damage
Damage Severity
growth-reducing

Spotted Lanternfly First adult activity typically begins around 3700 GDD₃₂. As of May 8, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1776.4 to 1956.7 GDD₃₂, approximately 1743 units before the expected threshold.

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 8, 2026
Station GDD₃₂ Current Stage Next To Go
Issaquah / East King 1,957 Pre-season First adult activity 1,743
Kent / Auburn 1,944 Pre-season First adult activity 1,756
Seattle / UW 1,928 Pre-season First adult activity 1,772
Olympia / Tumwater 1,887 Pre-season First adult activity 1,813
Tacoma / Puyallup 1,855 Pre-season First adult activity 1,845
Bellingham / Whatcom 1,837 Pre-season First adult activity 1,863
Sequim / Rain Shadow 1,776 Pre-season First adult activity 1,924

GDD source: UMD IPMnet Pest Predictive Calendar (Gill & Klick). Base 50°F, mid-Atlantic climate. Converted to GDD₃₂ for Western WA. About GDD₃₂ →

Monitoring & Action

How to Monitor

Visual inspection for egg masses on smooth surfaces (fall through

When to Act

Any confirmed detection in the PNW warrants immediate reporting

What Damage Looks Like

Feeds by piercing plant tissue with stylet mouthparts and extracting

Cultural Controls

  • Inspect and scrape egg masses Penn State Extension
  • Remove Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) Penn State Extension
  • Inspect incoming goods and vehicles from infested states USDA APHIS; WSDA
  • Report all sightings WSDA; ODA

Sources & References

Primary: Leach et al. 2023 — Seasonal activity of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Southeast Pennsylvania. Environmental Entomology 52(6):1108-1119. doi:10.1093/ee/nvad093