Black bug with red and white spots from South Korea
August 1, 2009
I have already spent countless hours on the web (both Korean and English) trying to figure out what this is when I already am not too fond of looking at bug pictures. It’s a little less than an inch in size and saw them everywhere in a park in Seoul and on hiking trails (still in the middle of Seoul) back in the middle of July. When approached it changes the direction its facing much like a spider and when threatened, it jumps away– pretty far for a little guy. I didn’t get to take a picture, but from the profile its body tilts in a 45 degree angle at rest. Please help me sleep.
Judy
Seoul, South Korea
Hi Judy,
Two weeks ago we received some photos of this interesting Fulgorid Hopper, Lycorma delicatula, and it was Karl who made the identification for us. Here is the excerpt from that identification.
Another Update from Karl
Unknown Chinese Hemipteran
July 31, 2009
Daniel:
I dug a little deeper and found an interesting story behind this handsome creature. The species is Lycorma delictula (Family Fulgoridae : Subfamily Aphaeninae) and it has the erroneous common name White Cicada. Originally from southern China, it has been on the move recently and appears to have made quite a nuisance of itself outside of its natural range, particularly on the Korean Peninsula. I even found one reference in a report on China-Korea trade relations where it was referred to as “adding insult to injury”. It makes a living by sucking tree sap. Regards.
Karl
Goodness– I had a hunch it might not native to Korea since I couldn’t remember seeing them while growing up, even though they seemed to be everywhere this time. Thank you so much for the identification.
Judy
Thank you so much for identifying this for me so fast.
Is this cicada species a periodic one? I first visited Seoul in October 2010 and heard many cicadas. I then visited Seoul in June 2011, May 2013 and September 2014, but did not hear any. I will try Wikipedia next.
The White Cicada is not a true Cicada, but rather a Fulgorid Planthopper, and to the best of our knowledge, it does not make an audible sound. Periodical Cicadas like the 17 Year Cicada are only found in North America.
I found one of these at the YMCA in East Greenville Montgomery County PA. Are the a danger to trees or plant life? This is the first time I have ever seen one?
This is a non-native, introduced species that may have a significant negative impact on native and cultivated plants.
Just spotted one today in whitehall Pa.
Creepy little quick things arent they.
Just took some photos of one on my porch in Downingtown, PA.
I found a lot of them just outside Reading PA.
I would love to know how they were introduced here……….
And by who???
How reckless!!!!
They most likely arrived on nursery stock.
How do you get rid of them? They are all over my back porch? Had to move inside for dinner!
We do not provide extermination advice.
What do they eat?
Do they bite?
How long do they live?
They probably travel on food, people. We have lots here in Denver PA. Never noticed them till this summer though…
How do you remove them?
After further looming into and signs posted last year around a camp site-
These may be called spotted lantern fly.
Yes, this species is a spotted lantern fly. Last year they were noticed in Southeastern PA and the state has requested sightings be reported and have set quarantines in place for where they’re found since they are a danger to local industries.
Who do we report them to because we have so many of them around here?
Report to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Just now was the second one i have killed within a week and it hopped in the same spot as the last one… On my laptop table.. Idk where they are coming from im assuming my AC and i think their attracted to my lamp on the table. Im in Reading,PA. Its really scaring me the way they hop infront of me on to the table.
Found one in my back yard
In Allentown p.a.
I’m having coffee outside my house in King of Prussia Pa ( next door is the mall )….
I took a video and some shots .
He was here a minute ago but now has just vanished.
I wonder if I’ll ever see him again ???
Looked like someone gave a black bug some nice tattoo work .
Spotted on deck railing in home within Horsham, Pa. (Talamore golf community)
I spotted one in marsh creek state park in pa how could I report it?
Just saw one in Honey Brook, PA, on my cucumber plant. Jumped away quickly when approached. YUK!!
spotted today at Philadelphia airport