The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper, meaning it is a type of bug and not a fly. It is native to China along with its preferred host, tree of heaven, also called by its genus name, Ailanthus. In native habitats, spotted lanternfly populations are regulated by parasitic wasps. Both tree of heaven and the spotted lanternfly are considered invasive species in several states. They did not arrive together. Tree of heaven was purposely brought to the United States in 1784 as an ornamental plant. The spotted lanternfly was first noticed in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread to 13 surrounding states.

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