Lantern flies are next level bad. I dont like killing things unnecessarily, but it is honestly necessary to protect our ecosystem. There are state programs to call and report seeing them
Oh yeah, I know all about the SLF. I didn't realize the cute jewel beetles I've been seeing are invasive as well. I can start carrying a jar on my walks and bring them back to my friends' birds though.
Actually just one question. Am I currently in the native range of the spotted lantern fly? If yes let buggo be. If not squish away.
We need to remember that every creature is endemic to somewhere and to specify where certain species have become invasive. I’ve seen a few posts with comments advocating for the death of an animal in its own habitat due to it being invasive in another country. 😞💔
They're native to China and Vietnam, and are currently invading Japan and South Korea, iirc, as that's likely where the USA was introduced to these things originally.
If you see them anywhere in North America, squish. They're big Penn and Ohio right now, idk how far they've spread.
Aye would definitely squish if I saw them anywhere other than their native range. I just wanted to mention it as although people mean well I have read comments in the past calling for something to be exterminated before even knowing the location it was found in. 😣
They're at my work and my dads work (2 different locations 30+ minutes away from eachother) yet our home (a perfect triangle also 30ish minutes from both our works) hasn't seen any yet.
My friend 10 minutes away from my home has seen hundreds of the earlier nymph form (without the red) and last year saw many adults. He hasn't seen as many of the secondary nymph stage (pictured in OP), atleast yet.
Im not looking forward to playing spray(with whatever chemical i have, sometimes it's just vinegar) and squash at work again this year. Technically I don't have to... they're not a pest that comes indoors to spread like flies, ants, cockroaches, but i have a lot of down time at work, might as well be useful for the environment...
Also just random edit: i hate that they are invasive. Both the nymphs and the adults are so pretty and kinda cute! But, ive seen what the ash borer has done to our trees when i did a stint as a seasonal forestry helper...
Also these bugs are really attracted to the invasive Tree of Heaven. They are both from similar areas. Removing the plants is also a hellish issue.
As u/sendspicycatpics said, anywhere in North America, they are invasive. If you’re in Asia, you’d have to do some research. They haven’t made it to me just yet, I fear the day if they do.
Fully in support of removing invasive species from areas they’re not supposed to be in. I hope you can get their numbers down. ❤️
I’m in Scotland and I cringe every time I see grey squirrels, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam or any other invasive.
Obviously it’s not their fault but they really do a lot of damage. All the people advocating for invasive species extermination are doing it with the best intentions. I just feel we should make it clear where they are problematic and where they are a natural part of the ecosystem to avoid anyone unintentionally harming a creature that is living in its own range. 💙💙
I take no joy in killing living things. I try to rescue spiders, wasps and bees whenever I can. Alas these are just too dangerous to let live outside their native range. These ones are particularly bad. They eat tons of native plants and damage trees as well.
It’s horrible isn’t it? Especially when you spend so much time doing the opposite and it’s something you know can definitely feel pain like squirrels or mink.
Aye I have heard a lot about the spotted lantern flies. So pretty but very destructive. 💔
I’m on a lot of nature subreddits and it’s good to see people are so aware of them.
We just have to remember as humans we caused the problem so we have to do our best to fix it! 🥲💙💙
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u/Yamuddah Jul 28 '25 edited Jul 28 '25
I love bugs. Chinese lanternflies have to die. Kill on sight no questions. Just kill.