Lanternflies are invasive species of insects that are native to China, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. These insects are known for their striking appearance, featuring brightly colored wings and elongated bodies. Though they are technically members of the planthopper family, they are often referred to as lanternflies due to their lantern-shaped wings. Some other common synonyms for lanternfly include spotted lanternfly, spotted winged lanternfly, and planthopper lanternfly. These names help to distinguish between different varieties of the insect and make it easier to identify and track populations. It's important to keep an eye out for these pests, as they can cause significant damage to crops and other plants.