Are you seeing spots? – Spotted lanternfly (SLF) that is.
SLF began hatching earlier this spring. The immature stage of this non-native invasive insect pest goes through 4 stages or instars before becoming an adult. The first 3 stages are black with white spots.
The fourth stage of the nymphs are red with black and white markings, along with an adult SLF (Photo Credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University). Currently in Ohio, the majority of SLF are in the 4th instar and the adult stages. The nymphs are wingless and utilize their legs to walk and jump – and they can jump. Adults continue to rely on their legs to walk and jump, but also use their wings to fly, and glide…