What Do Lanternflies Eat?

Lanternflies, specifically the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), are sap-feeding insects that primarily feed on the sap of various trees and plants. Their main food source is the phloem—the vascular tissue responsible for transporting nutrients in the plant. The spotted lanternfly has piercing-sucking mouthparts, which it uses to extract the sap from the plants.

Some of the plants they commonly target include:

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) – This is the primary host plant for lanternflies, and they often thrive on it.
Fruit trees – They can also feed on apple, peach, grapevines, and other orchard crops.
Maple trees – Lanternflies are often seen feeding on the sap of maples.
Birch and pine trees – They may also feed on various other deciduous and evergreen species.
Other plants – The lanternfly has a broad host range, including various shrubs, vines, and ornamental plants.

Their feeding behavior can weaken the host plants, potentially causing damage such as leaf discoloration, wilting, and even the death of branches or entire plants. Additionally, the lanternfly excretes a sugary substance known as honeydew, which can promote the growth of black sooty mold, further harming the plants. The pest is considered a major agricultural threat in certain regions, particularly in the U.S. where it has become invasive.