Caption: Lantern Fly with Flower This summer Lantern flies became the scourge of east coast trees. They invade the bark, lay eggs, and cause the tries to die. People were told to kill as many of them as possible, which isn't easy because they are very quick and easily evade attempts to step on them. I happened upon this one on the floor of my apartment outdoor 17th floor terrace and realized it had died there intact. Close inspection revealed its beauty, which isn't normally readily visible because of the speed with which they fly.