Spotted Lanternfly Nymph Lookalikes

A new insect in the neighborhood always causes a stir. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper, is the current headline maker. Everyone has been on the lookout for them since their discovery in Berks County in 2014. Perhaps the only good feature of having a newcomer is that folks now pay attention to insects.

Spotted lanternflies, SLF, hatch from their egg masses in May. These nymphs undergo four instars (growth stages) before becoming adults in August or September. The first three instar stages are black with white spots. The first (earliest) instars are tiny and may be mistaken for ticks.

The fourth instar, which usually appears in July, is an exceptionally handsome insect! Its body is brilliant red with white spots on black lines. These nymphs are more conspicuous, move around more, and feed on sap from larger plants.

In Pennsylvania, we have several native insects that may be mistaken for spotted lanternfly nymphs. Misidentification can lead to unnecessary sprays or control efforts. If you encounter a spotted lanternfly or its nymphs, it is essential to report the sighting to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture through Penn State Extension.

Pay attention to the insects in your neighborhood. Please get to know them for who they are. These photos will identify some of the more common lookalikes of spotted lanternfly nymphs.

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) adult is similar in size to a newly hatched first instar spotted lanternfly nymph. Ticks have eight legs and lack the distinctive black with white dots coloration of SLF nymphs.

The brown marmorated stink bug nymph (Halyomorpha halys) resembles a first instar spotted lanternfly. White bands on the antennae and legs, rather than dots on the body and legs, can help distinguish the two.

Boxelder bugs, both adults and nymphs (Boisea trivittata), are red and black.

This predatory wheel bug nymph (Arilus cristatus) has an orange-red body with black legs.

Orange and black harlequin bug adults and nymphs (Murgantia histrionica) commonly feed on cabbage family plants (Brassicaceae). Harlequins lack the bright red body and white spotted black lines and legs of a fourth instar SLF nymph. 

A large milkweed bug adult (Oncopeltus fasciatus) is orange and black with a broad black bar across its back but no white dots. 

A small milkweed bug adult (Lygaeus kalmii) has a distinctive dark orange cross but no white dots on its back.