Several species of non-native insects are of concern right now. Two you should be on the lookout for are spotted lanternfly and brown-winged planthopper. Read on for tips on identifying and reporting these pests.
Spotted Lanternfly
For several years, Georgia scientists have been asking us to keep an eye out for spotted lanternflies. First sighted in Pennsylvania in 2014, these invasive planthopper insects have rapidly spread across 17 states, including Tennessee and North Carolina. On November 14th, the Georgia Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed sighting of spotted lanternfly in our state, which was first detected in Fulton County on October 22nd. There have been dozens of positive reports since. In 2025, DeKalb County had one positive report.
While spotted lanternfly could hitchhike anywhere on equipment and vehicles, priority survey locations in Georgia are currently centered on and around Fulton and DeKalb Counties and the counties surrounding Oconee County, South Carolina.
Description and Biology
Spotted lanternfly is native to Asia. Recently, it has begun invading across the eastern U.S., and was found in Atlanta, Georgia, as of 2024.
- Eggs are laid in masses beginning in September on smooth host plant surfaces and materials. Egg masses may have a smooth waxy coating.
- Nymphs go through four instars May-September. Instars 1-3 are black with white spots. Instar 4 is black and red with white spots.
- Adults begin appearing in June. They are 0.81-1.04 inches long with red, black, grey, and white wings and a black and yellow body.
- Hosts include a wide range of trees and woody vines, such as almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, nectarines, oak, peaches, and more. Tree-of-heaven are a primary feeding and egg laying target.
What To Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly
You can help stop the spread of spotted lanternfly! Take the following actions immediately if you see a spotted lanternfly:
- Take a clear picture of the pest.
- Kill it.
- Report your sighting using the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s online reporting tool: https://www.gainvasives.org/slf/report/.
Check out our blog post, Keep an Eye Out for Spotted Lanternfly, for more info.
Brown-Winged Planthopper
A newly detected insect in metro Atlanta, the brown-winged planthopper, is raising concerns for gardeners, landscapers, and nursery growers across Georgia. First noticed locally in 2025 and again in 2026 at multiple nearby sites, this invasive pest has a history of spreading quickly and damaging a wide range of plants.
This pest is considered a serious threat because it feeds on more than 300 plant species, including many common landscape and garden plants. Popular ornamentals like hydrangea, magnolia, rose, viburnum, and wisteria—as well as fruit trees and shrubs—can all be affected.
Both immature insects (nymphs) and adults feed by sucking sap from plants. Heavy infestations can lead to:
- Yellowing leaves and reduced plant vigor
- Wilting shoots and branch dieback
- Stunted growth
- Leaf drop
These insects produce sticky “honeydew,” which encourages the growth of black sooty mold, making plants unsightly and interfering with photosynthesis. Another concern is how easily the pest spreads. Eggs are laid inside twigs and branches, meaning the insect can be transported unknowingly on nursery plants or landscape material.
How To Identify Brown-Winged Planthopper
Learning to recognize the brown-winged planthopper can help you catch problems early.
Adults:
- About ¼ inch long (body) with wings extending longer
- Light to yellowish-brown wings with darker edges
- Distinct white spots and dots on the wings
- Reddish-brown eyes
Nymphs (juveniles):
- Small, creamy yellow insects with darker patches
- Produce conspicuous white, cottony or waxy filaments extending from the body, often twice their body length
Egg masses:
- Laid in rows on twigs or branches
- Covered with a white, zigzag waxy coating that helps them blend in
You may also notice groups of insects clustered on stems or leaves, along with sticky residue (honeydew) beneath them.
Georgia Department of Agriculture fact sheet on brown-winged planthopper
UGA Extension article on brown-winged planthopper
What To Do If You See a Brown-Winged Planthopper
Because this is a newly detected invasive insect, early detection and reporting are critical to help slow its spread.
- Take clear photos of the insect and any damage or egg masses.
- Note the plant species it is on and your location.
- Report your find to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at: pestid@agr.georgia.gov.
Stay Alert
While researchers are still learning how this insect will behave in Georgia, its track record in other countries shows it can become a major pest. Keeping an eye on your landscape plants and reporting unusual insects can make a real difference in protecting Georgia’s gardens and green spaces.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact your local Extension agent with questions. Find your local Extension office here. If you are a Fulton County resident, contact your ANR team.
