Subject: Black insect with white spots
Geographic location of the bug: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Date: 06/20/2018
Time: 03:00 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I found these on my azalea. We live in the woods and have never seen anything like it. It doesn’t seem to have a hard shell like a beetle but maybe it’s in the early stages of life.
How you want your letter signed: Nikki
Dear Nikki,
These are Spotted Lanternfly nymphs, an invasive species recently introduced from Asia.
Comment from Annette on Facebook: OP, you need to report this. I don’t condone killing insects, but this one is a threat to our state. Google what to do if you find spotted lanternfly.
Update: Report sightings to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Thank you for the quick response! I’ve seen them in their full grown state and should’ve figured it was them with the spots. I’ll take care of the destroying and reporting. Have a great day!