Are these insects spotted lantern flies or what? - Ask Extension
Found these on my sunflowers and my veggie plants. The green
pepper plants and squash plants have been decimated. I find them
on other plants as wel...
Knowledgebase
Are these insects spotted lantern flies or what? #720717
Asked September 03, 2020, 8:45 PM EDT
Found these on my sunflowers and my veggie plants. The green
pepper plants and squash plants have been decimated. I find them
on other plants as well. In addition, I've seen some brown and yellow
"butterflies" that look similar to the spotted lantern fly type butterfly.
These insects are spreading and eating away. What are they and how
do I get rid of them, Please? See attached photos
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
These are definitely not the new invasive Spotted Lanternfly. So far they have only been found in Harford and Cecil County, with activity noted in Washington Co. in Maryland.
Here is our information on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spotted-lanternfly
The insects in your photo are called Leaf-footed Bugs- note the wide flare at the base of the legs. They are not a major problem in gardens.
We'd guess that your vegetable plants are more likely being attacked by other pests. For instance on your summer squash, Squash Bugs. Take a look at the crop page for summer squash here: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/summer-squash
Towards the bottom you will see a highlighted list of common problems. Check them out.
You can explore the crop pages, including the one for Peppers, here:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/crops
Stink bugs can be a pest of peppers and sunflowers.
Christine
Here is our information on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spotted-lanternfly
The insects in your photo are called Leaf-footed Bugs- note the wide flare at the base of the legs. They are not a major problem in gardens.
We'd guess that your vegetable plants are more likely being attacked by other pests. For instance on your summer squash, Squash Bugs. Take a look at the crop page for summer squash here: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/summer-squash
Towards the bottom you will see a highlighted list of common problems. Check them out.
You can explore the crop pages, including the one for Peppers, here:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/crops
Stink bugs can be a pest of peppers and sunflowers.
Christine
Thank you very very much. I'll share this info with my neighbors. Your program provides an extremely helpful help. Thank you again
