lanternfly

[ lan-tern-flahy ]

noun

, plural lan·tern·flies.

1. any of several large tropical insects of the family Fulgoridae, formerly thought to be luminescent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lanternfly¹

First recorded in 1745–55; lantern ( def ) + fly ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Dr. Robert C. Venette, a research biologist and director of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, is paying close attention to multiple invasive species, including "several bark beetles, emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, hemlock wooly adelgid, oak wilt, Palmer amaranth and Japanese knotweed, among others."

From Salon

Eggs of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that’s wreaked havoc on crops across more than a dozen states, were recently discovered in California.

From Los Angeles Times

The pest has become so notorious that it made an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in a 2022 skit where one viewer applauded them for capturing “the unbelievable hubris of the lanternfly.”

From Los Angeles Times

Eggs of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that’s wreaked havoc on crops across more than a dozen states, were recently discovered on a metal art installation that was headed to Sonoma County, one of California’s most esteemed wine regions.

From Los Angeles Times

Heat-treating wood, for example, can also help ward off the gypsy moth, spotted lanternfly and the Asian long-horned beetle, Tamm said.

From Los Angeles Times