It's a bird, it's a plane. No, wait, it may be a spotted lanternfly!
These flashy winged troublemakers have been causing quite a stir in many backyards. Their showstopping markings in all stages are unique, but these pests are just that - pests.With Mosquito Joe's help, you'll know what lanternflies look like in each stage of their lifecycle and what to do when you come across one.
Spotted Lanternflies Egg Mass Identification
Spotted lanternfly egg masses look like smeared grayish gunk. You often see the masses over a tree trunk, fence, or car. When freshly laid, they sport the “fresh concrete” look — about 1–1.5inches long, with 30–50 eggs lined up like tiny soldiers. As egg masses age, they dry and crack, looking like rough tree bark. They're tricky to spot, but there if you know what to look for.
Spotted Lanternfly Nymph Identification: The Awkward Teen Phase
These tiny nymphs are active and easy to spot thanks to their bold patterns.
First Three Stages (Early Instars):
- Size: 1/8–1/4 inch, roughly the size of an ant.
- Shiny black with bold white spots — meet the polka-dot phase of these funny flies.
- There are no wings yet, but impressive jumping skills make them hard to miss and harder to squish!
Fourth Instar (Red Rebellion):
- Think of the last nymph stage as their statement look: vivid red bodies with black stripes and white spots.
- If you see a scampering, polka-dotted mini fly, you're witnessing their grand coming-of-age. It won’t be long until they've hit the adult stage, which...speaking of the adults...
Adults: The Lanternfly at Peak Bedazzlement
The adult stage is where the spotted lanternfly begs for attention.
- Size: Spotted lanternfly adult size is about 1 inch long, 1/2inch wide. Big enough to be noticed by humans and small dogs.
- Forewings: Grayish-tan translucent wing dusted with black spots, plus a funky black brick mosaic toward the tips. Imagine mothwings going through an eye-popping makeover.
- Hindwings: Red, black, and a crisp white band — only brandished in flight.
- Body: Bright yellow with thick black stripes. Basically, a bug wearing traffic warning colors.
- Personality: Loves hanging out in mobs on trees or fence posts, mostly jumping but occasionally flying in short, dramatic bursts.
Don’t wait for adults to multiply – call Mosquito Joe for professional spotted lanternfly control.
Spotted Some Lanternflies? Request a Quote
Quick Comparison Table: Lanternfly Life Stages
See Lanternflies on Your Property? Call Mosquito Joe!
If you’ve jumped at polka-dotted nymphs or watched a flying red-and-yellow flash swerve in your yard — don’t wait! Spotted lanternflies can cause serious damage to trees, plants, and outdoor spaces. Now that you know what spotted lanternflies look like, we can help! Call Mosquito Joe today and let our spotted lanternfly exterminators protect your property. We’ll send the bugs packing so you can get back to enjoying your yard, buzz-free!
More to Know About Identifying Spotted Lanternflies
Spotted lanternflies can be sneaky, and even with pictures, they’re easy to miss. These FAQs cover the key signs of eggs, nymphs, and adults — so you can spot them early and protect your property.
How do I spot lanternfly egg masses vs. other insect eggs?
Lanternfly egg masses look uniquely smeared, not like random clusters or tiny jellybeans like a lot of other insect eggs. Their covering peels and cracks as they age.
When are spotted lanternflies most visible?
Egg masses stand out most during late autumn to early spring, while nymphs come out around late spring. The adults commonly fly around from July until frost, usually in animated, clustered groups
Where would I typically find spotted lanternflies in my yard?
Spotted lanternflies love to hide and play tag! Adults cluster on trees or sneak under furniture, eggs stick to hard surfaces, and nymphs nibble on all kinds of plants. Mosquito Joe can track down these tricky pests and keep your yard under control.
