lanternfly
noun
lan·tern·fly
ˈlan-tərn-ˌflī 
variants
or less commonly lantern fly
plural lanternflies also lantern flies
: any of several large brightly marked winged hemipteran insects (family Fulgoridae) that often resemble moths or small butterflies and usually possess an elongated hollow projection on the head
The lanternflies often have beautifully colored and patterned wings, and the front of their heads is often expanded into a large bulb or snout. Because of their brilliant colors, it used to be thought that they glowed in the dark, hence their common name. They don't glow, but they can be extraordinarily beautiful.—
California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences
especially
: spotted lanternfly
By now, most residents of central and eastern Pennsylvania are familiar with lanternflies, an invasive pest that was discovered in Berks County in 2014. It took a few years, but the lanternflies not only moved from the original site to outside Pennsylvania's borders, where they have now been identified in 11 other states, but raised their profile significantly by converging on city and suburban neighborhoods in droves. —Paul Vigna
Paul Vigna Examples of lanternfly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, lanternfly females and nymphs gather in massive swarms, called aggregations, that are not clearly tied to mating—so the typical pest-control method of disrupting reproduction is difficult to apply.
—Claire Marie Porter, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
While native to southeast Asia, one lanternfly has become invasive in the eastern United States, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024
Fall and winter is the perfect time to check tree trunks and other hard surfaces for lanternfly eggs.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024
Seven states have instituted quarantine programs to limit cross-border transportation of lanternfly eggs and live insects.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024
The spotted lanternfly has now infested some 17 states, according to a map by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, with the center of its population across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 1 July 2024
As troublesome as the spotted lanternfly can be in cities and suburbs, an infestation in California wine country could become an agricultural disaster.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 15 June 2024
The spotted lanternfly can swarm and take out big swaths of crops.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the spotted lanternfly can cause damage, including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback to trees, crops, vines, and other plants.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Claire Marie Porter, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
While native to southeast Asia, one lanternfly has become invasive in the eastern United States, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024
Fall and winter is the perfect time to check tree trunks and other hard surfaces for lanternfly eggs.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024
Seven states have instituted quarantine programs to limit cross-border transportation of lanternfly eggs and live insects.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024
The spotted lanternfly has now infested some 17 states, according to a map by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, with the center of its population across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 1 July 2024
As troublesome as the spotted lanternfly can be in cities and suburbs, an infestation in California wine country could become an agricultural disaster.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 15 June 2024
The spotted lanternfly can swarm and take out big swaths of crops.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the spotted lanternfly can cause damage, including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback to trees, crops, vines, and other plants.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near lanternfly
Cite this Entry
“Lanternfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanternfly. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share