Union County, NJ – July 26, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying the destructive pest while it is still in the early stages of growth. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a whitish “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.
Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces including tree trunks, lawn furniture and vehicles. In early summer, the eggs hatch into nymphs that look like small black or bright red beetles speckled with white spots.
Residents who spot the nymphs can use a variety of approved pesticides to kill them. Crushing or swatting them is another option, though they are quick to hop away.
“Union County residents and property managers can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting yards, gardens and landscaping for the nymphs, and destroying them before they mature,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
The nymphs can be seen on many different kinds of plants and trees. They are especially likely to be found clustering on the stems of the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven.”
The nymphs mature into large, moth-like adults that can be easily identified by their papery white wings and brightly colored red, black and white underwings and body.
Adults are already beginning to emerge. Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.
The spotted lanternfly belongs to a group of insects called “planthoppers.” They do not bite or sting, and they do not seem toxic to humans or pets. Native to parts of Southeast Asia, they were first seen in Pennsylvania in six years ago. They are believed to have arrived in shipments of stone. They were first found in New Jersey in 2018 has also been found in other nearby states.
For more information, including photos of the spotted lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.
Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.
Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the spotted lanternfly invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email [email protected] or use the online Contact Form.
Have you noticed some black bugs with white spots crawling around your home or garden lately? You may be wondering what type of bug it is and if it’s harmful Knowing how to identify common black insects with white markings can help you determine if control measures are needed
In this article we’ll explore 19 of the most common black bugs with white spots in North America, along with tips on how to identify them and manage infestations.
Why Do Some Bugs Have White Spots?
Markings and color patterns serve important purposes in the insect world. Contrasting spots, stripes, or other designs help break up the body outline, acting as a camouflage against predators. Patterns can also signal toxicity, mimicry of dangerous species, or communicate mating availability.
White spots on black bugs typically serve as a warning or identification system. They may indicate the bug’s ability to secrete distasteful or toxic substances when threatened. The high-contrast dots also disrupt the bug’s body outline, helping it blend into vegetation.
19 Common Black Bugs with White Spots
Let’s look at some of the most frequently encountered black insects with white dots or markings:
1. Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper from Asia that first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Adults are about 1 inch long and half an inch wide, with eye-catching spotted red, black, and white forewings. Nymphs are black with white dots. This invasive pest poses a major threat to vineyards, orchards, and timber.
2. Eastern Eyed Click Beetle
This large black beetle, up to 1.8 inches long, has distinctive white-rimmed eye spots on its thorax. It’s able to snap its body violently to flip itself over if threatened – creating a clicking sound. Despite its fierce appearance, these beetles do not bite or sting.
3. Texas Eyed Click Beetle
Closely resembling the Eastern eyed click beetle, this species has more elongated white eye spots on its back. It also possesses the ability to flip itself upright with an audible clicking sound. These beetles are generally harmless to humans.
4. Ocellated Tiger Beetle
With its metallic dark coloration and white dots on the wing covers, this predatory beetle has a fast and fierce appearance. Growing up to 0.5 inches long, it runs swiftly to catch prey. Although it can deliver a painful bite if handled, it does not bite unprovoked.
5. Tumbling Flower Beetle
Also called the tumbling rag doll, this tiny black beetle with white dots tumbles and flips in the air if disturbed. Despite its small size, around 0.3 inches, its erratic movements can startle predators. It feeds on flower nectar and does not bite.
6. Banded Alder Borer
This striking beetle has a black and white banded pattern on its antennae and three obvious white bands circling its otherwise black body. Growing up to 1.5 inches long, it bores into certain trees as a larva. Adults emit a squeaking sound if threatened.
7. Hairy Rove Beetle
A large predatory beetle reaching 0.7 inches long, it is shiny black with a few white markings on the wings. Fast moving and aggressive, it will raise its abdomen and bite if mishandled. Despite their speed and bite, they do not attack humans.
8. Eight-Spotted Flea Beetle
True to its name, this tiny beetle has eight prominent white spots on its black wing covers. It uses its enlarged hind legs to jump rapidly if disturbed. The larvae and adults chew holes in plant leaves but do not bite people.
9. LeConte’s Haploa Moth
The striking caterpillar of this moth species is black with bright yellow stripes. The moth itself has black and white patterned forewings with thin black lines radiating from a central spot. They are minor plant pests but harmless to humans.
10. Buck Moth
The spiny caterpillars of this moth have black bodies with white dots. Their venomous spines can cause skin irritation, so they should not be handled. The adult moths are brown with distinct eye spots on the hindwings. They feed on oak leaves.
11. Polka-Dot Wasp Moth
This day-flying moth is mostly metallic blue and black, with many small white spots on the wings. It mimics the look of stinging wasps as a form of protection. The colorful caterpillars feed on oleander leaves but do not sting or bite.
12. Grape Leaffolder Moth
The larva of this moth folds and ties grape leaves together with silk to form its shelter. The adult has gray wings with black dots and stripes. Considered a vineyard pest, they do not bite or sting humans.
13. Peppered Jumping Spider
Growing up to 0.5 inches long, this dark spider has a speckled pattern of white markings on its body. As with other jumping spiders, it can leap on prey but is not aggressive toward people. If threatened, it may bite in self-defense.
14. Garden Fleahopper
This tiny black bug with white dots on its legs and antennae leaps rapidly if disturbed. The nymphs and adults feed on a wide variety of garden plants by sucking out sap, damaging leaves and stunting growth. Their bite is not dangerous but may be painful.
15. V-Luteum Plant Bug
Feeding on rice, this black insect has distinct white spots on its wings as well as brownish legs and underside. Considered a agricultural pest, they extract sap from rice, causing discolored spots on the foliage and stunted plants. They do not bite or sting.
16. Arhaphe Plant Bug
At just 0.25 inches long, this black and white speckled bug makes a buzzing sound by rubbing its wings together. It feeds by sucking juices from plants, including crops like alfalfa, clover, and sweet clover. Its bite is not medically significant.
17. White-Spotted Fruit Chafer
A beetle found throughout Southern Africa, it has a black body covered in large and small white speckles. Drawn to sap flows, it feeds on ripening fruit but does not pose a hazard to humans. The C-shaped grubs feed on decomposing plant material.
18. Marbled White Butterfly
Common throughout Europe and Asia, this medium-sized butterfly has intricately patterned black, brown, and white wings. The hairy caterpillars are green with yellow stripes and black dots. Neither the larvae nor adult butterflies bite or sting.
19. Six-Spot Ground Beetle
Growing up to 1.5 inches long, this predatory ground beetle lives in Asia and India. Fast moving and aggressive, it will raise its large mandibles and bite if threatened. It runs down smaller prey but does not seek out humans. The larvae have prominent jaws for capturing insects and worms.
Tips for Identification and Control
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Examine the bug’s markings, shape, legs, and antennae against reference photos for identification. Pay attention to behavior as well – does it jump, roll, or make noise if disturbed?
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Note whether the bug was feeding on plants, found indoors or outdoors, lives alone or in groups, and if bites/stings occurred. This aids identification.
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Consult an experienced entomologist if you are still uncertain what the black and white bug may be. Proper identification is key before any control measures.
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For occasional indoor invaders, simply collect the insects manually or vacuum them up. Seal cracks and gaps to prevent future entry.
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For plant-feeding pests, handpick adults, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or release natural predators like ladybugs or green lacewings.
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Remove favored host plants like tree of heaven if faced with invasive pests like spotted lanternflies. Contact agricultural agencies for best control practices.
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Use pesticides sparingly and only when necessary, as improper use can harm beneficial insects or cause secondary pest outbreaks.
With this guide, you can now identify the most common black bugs with white spots. Accurate identification allows you to assess if the insect requires control, and select appropriate management methods. Paying attention to patterns, host plants, and behavior will help distinguish harmless species from damaging pests or vectors of disease.
What is a Spotted Lanternfly?
The Spotted Lanternfly is a relatively new invasive species to the United States. Native to Asia, namely China, India and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly was first documented in the U.S. in 2014, in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It is now considered an invasive species throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, southwestern New Jersey, northern Delaware and northern Virginia. They are a huge threat to agriculture throughout the areas they invade. Keep reading to learn more, including information on pest control and how to get rid of the spotted lanternfly.
Spotted lanternflies get their name from the distinguishable black spots on their front wings as adults. Adult SLF have spotted forewings that cover brightly-colored hind wings. Spotted lanternfly nymphs are usually 1/8 to 1/2 inch in size with white-spotted, black bodies changing to bright red coloration in older nymphs. Adults are larger than nymphs, around 1 inch in length and an inch and a half wide when wings are spread. The adults are typically easier to find because of their size, coloration, and increased mobility. Habits of Spotted Lanternflies
Spotted lanternflies are a type of planthopper and although they have wings, they only fly short distances and primarily jump or walk. Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall and hatch in the spring. They lay their eggs on hard surfaces, such as homes, trees, rocks, etc. and lay an average of 30-50 eggs at a time. Spotted lanternflies go through several stages as an immature nymph, in which they grow wings and change color. Adult spotted lanternflies emerge in the summer and their entire lifespan usually lasts around one year. Spotted lanternflies feed on both woody plants and non-woody plants, including trees and a variety of plant species. Habitat: Where They Can Be Found
Spotted lanternflies’ preferred host to feed and mate on is the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive plant first introduced to the Philadelphia-area in the 18th century. However, they have been known to host on over 70 other plant species and will lay eggs just about anywhere. Threats from Spotted Lanternflies
Spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting humans, but they are a major destructive pest. They are a huge agricultural threat to plants and trees such as grapes, hops and hardwoods, causing costly damage. They are also a nuisance and can affect the quality of life in the areas they invade because they are a nuisance and will congregate in large numbers. Spotted lanternflies harm their host plants by feeding on the plant’s sap, leading to weeping wounds of sap and mold, which can result in stunted growth or even plant death. Tips for Preventing Spotted Lanternflies
Homeowners are encouraged to help stop the spread of spotted lanternflies by checking cars and any outdoor equipment, like grills, firewood and lawnmowers, when traveling in and out of the quarantined zones. If you find an infestation on your property, there are a number of spotted lanternfly control methods to manage the invasion, including:
- Scraping any visible egg masses off of trees and properly destroying them
- Removing the tree-of-heaven if there are any growing on your property
- Banding trees where spotted lanternflies are detected
- When there are only a few insects, you can kill spotted lanternflies by swatting or crushing them
- Consult with a pest control professional specializing in SLF treatment
How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies
Areas affected by spotted lanternfly populations are currently working to stop the spread and damage caused by this invasive pest. Fourteen counties throughout southeastern Pennsylvania are currently under a quarantine, put in place by the PA Department of Agriculture to regulate the movement of plants and other items spotted lanternflies can be hosting on, in and out of the quarantined areas. They are also routinely removing spotted lanternflies’ favorite host, the tree-of-heaven.
For help getting rid of spotted lanternflies contact a licensed pest control professional. You can find one near you with the helpful zip code search below.
what insect is this? White spots black bug
FAQ
What are the tiny black bugs with white spots?
Spotted lanternfly nymphs are usually 1/8 to 1/2 inch in size with white-spotted, black bodies changing to bright red coloration in older nymphs. Adults are larger than nymphs, around 1 inch in length and an inch and a half wide when wings are spread.
What happens if a lantern fly bites you?
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Not Harmful to Humans:Spotted lanternflies are not known to bite or sting humans, pets, or wildlife.
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Mouthparts:They have piercing-sucking mouthparts that are like a straw, used to feed on plant sap, but they are not capable of penetrating human skin.
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Nuisance, Not Danger:While not dangerous, they can be a nuisance due to their feeding behavior on plants, which can lead to the production of honeydew, a sticky substance that can attract other pests and support the growth of sooty mold.
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Focus on Plant Damage:The primary concern with spotted lanternflies is their potential to damage crops, trees, and ornamental plants.
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What to do if you see one:If you see a spotted lanternfly, experts recommend squashing it or killing it to prevent its spread [19, 20].
Are boxelder bugs good for anything?
They serve as food for various predators such as birds, spiders, and certain insects, supporting these populations. Decomposition: Like many insects, boxelder bugs play a role in the decomposition process by breaking down organic matter as they feed on seeds, fallen fruits, and other plant materials.
Are lantern bugs harmful?
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Not harmful to humans or pets:Spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting, and there’s no evidence they are toxic to humans or pets.
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Potential nuisance:They can be a nuisance because they are attracted to light and may congregate around doors and windows.
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Honeydew and Sooty Mold:They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of black sooty mold, which can be unsightly and potentially harmful to plants.
What are black bugs with white spots?
Common black bugs with white spots include the eastern click-eyed beetle, flea beetles, carpet beetles, and the hairy rove beetle. In North America, spotted lanternflies—non-native black bugs with white spots—have become a significant pest. The white-spotted bugs cause damage to ornamental shrubs, trees, and fruit trees.
What causes white patches on the skin?
White patches on the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including skin conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to certain chemicals. One common cause of white patches is vitiligo, a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Another skin condition that can cause white patches is tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that affects the skin’s pigmentation. Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and scleroderma, can also cause white patches on the skin. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as hydroquinone and phenol, can also cause depigmentation of the skin.
How do you identify black bugs with white spots?
To identify black bugs with white spots, look carefully at the shape and size of the insect, its markings, and color. Observe if it has wings, how many legs it has, the size of its antennae, and check for any patterns or stripes. Additionally, pictures of black and white bugs can help with identification.
Where do black bugs have white stripes?
Forests, prairies, beaches, and deserts are among the multiple habitats where black bugs with white stripes can be found. These types of bugs are known to stand out. With or without wings, they can be black and white at different stages of their lives or throughout their various life stages. The number, shape, and size of stripes can vary.
Do black beetles have white spots?
There are many different types of black beetles with white spots that can be found in North America. These insects can bite or not. Certain pests, such as those that infest ornamental plants, cucumbers, and watermelons, are well-known and are typically managed with the use of pesticides or the introduction of natural predators.
Are black and white insects a nuisance pest?
Black and white insects, beetles, and ladybugs can be fascinating. Many of these bugs are beneficial insects that help control pest populations. However, other black and white insects and arthropods can enter homes and become nuisance pests.