Gardening by Osmosis

The spotted lanternfly is invading Washington State. No, it is not that cute little firefly we read about in stories of the Northeastern part of the US. This insect is a serious pest on grapes, hops, fruit trees, ornamental’s and other important agricultural crops.

When closed the grey, black spotted forewing’s hide the red hindwing. The abdomen is yellow and black and the adult is about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. The adults can be seen in July and begin laying eggs in September-October.

The Spotted Lanternfly is especially fond of the Tree-of-Heaven which is not only its host but an invas...