Spotted Lanternfly vs Kermes Scale

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Lanternfly Kermes Scale
Scientific Name Lycorma delicatula Kermes vermilio
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Fulgoridae Kermesidae
Size 25 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Asia, North America (invasive) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spotted Lanternfly

A colorful invasive planthopper from China threatening vineyards, orchards, and hardwood forests in North America. Adults have striking red hindwings revealed in flight.

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Did You Know?

Spotted lanternflies are such a threat that multiple US states have quarantine zones — citizens are legally instructed to kill any lanternfly they see on sight.

Kermes Scale

Source of kermes dye, one of the oldest known red dyes. Used since ancient Egyptian and Roman times. The word "crimson" derives from the Arabic word for kermes.

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Did You Know?

The English word "crimson" comes from the Arabic "qirmiz" meaning kermes — this insect dye has colored royal robes and religious vestments for over 3,000 years.