Invasive Spotted Lanternflies Thrive in US

Researchers uncover why the Asian insect has rapidly spread across the Northeast

Feb. 9, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Scientists are gaining a better understanding of how the invasive spotted lanternfly, which originated in Asia, has been able to thrive and spread exponentially across the Northeastern United States since first arriving around 2014. Genomic analyses reveal the insects adapted to urban environments in their native Shanghai, China, priming them to succeed in similar urban settings in the US Northeast. The lanternflies' egg masses can easily survive harsh Northeast winters, and they have been known to hitch rides on trains, ferries, and even human backpacks, allowing them to rapidly expand their range.

Why it matters

The spotted lanternfly poses a significant threat to Northeast ecosystems, as the insects feed on tree sap and excrete a sugary substance that can suffocate and damage trees. They have the potential to impact valuable crops like apple orchards, maple trees, and vineyards in the region. Their spread also negatively impacts the food chain, as the lanternflies can sequester toxins from their preferred host tree, the invasive Tree of Heaven.

The details

Researchers believe the spotted lanternflies arrived in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in a shipment of stone from South Korea via their native range in urban Shanghai. Despite a low genetic diversity from a single introduction, the insects have been able to "take over" unfamiliar ecosystems and climates, likely due to their adaptations to urban environments in their native range. The lanternflies' egg masses can easily survive the harsh Northeast winters, and the insects have been known to hitch rides on various forms of transportation, allowing them to rapidly expand their range.

  • Spotted lanternflies likely arrived in the US around 2014.
  • The insects have been spotted as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island.

The players

Kristen Winchell

An associate professor of biology at New York University who co-authored a paper on the spotted lanternfly's adaptations.

Fallon Meng

A doctoral candidate at NYU's Department of Biology who discussed the lanternflies' likely arrival in the US.

Tree of Heaven

An invasive species in the US that is native to Asia and the spotted lanternfly's tree of choice.

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What they’re saying

“They were adapting to thrive in urban environments in the native range, and that primed them then to be successful in whatever the next urban environment they landed in.”

— Kristen Winchell, Associate Professor of Biology (ABC News)

“The loss of genetic diversity in this population, which should theoretically constrain any sort of adaptation or variation in traits in the invasive environment, should possibly limit their spread.”

— Kristen Winchell, Associate Professor of Biology (ABC News)

What’s next

Researchers expect the spotted lanternflies to continue spreading westward, toward Chicago, as the insects have proven adept at hitching rides on various forms of transportation.

The takeaway

The rapid spread and adaptability of the invasive spotted lanternfly in the Northeastern US highlights the need for proactive invasive species management efforts in urban areas to curb the insect's further expansion and mitigate its potential ecological and economic impacts on the region.