Spotted Lanternfly Spreading in Our Region

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Photo by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org

The Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper, causes serious damage to grapes, fruit trees, hops, and the nursery and timber industries. Dozens of counties are quarantined to prevent the further spread of this pest. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the latest map of counties.

Photo by Lawrence Barringer, bugwood.org

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in late September adults prefer Trees of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) as their primary food source, for mating and for egg-laying location. Tree of Heaven is an invasive tree species introduced in Pennsylvania. Egg masses are covered in a brown mud-like substance and, when laid on vehicles and campers, this pest spreads more rapidly. Egg masses and nymphs are pictured below.

Photo by Richard Gardner, bugwood.org

In late April to mid-May the nymphs hatch and feed on the woody parts of plants, including vines, fruit trees, grapes, and new growth of trees and shrubs. While feeding, it inflicts wounds that weep with sap. The nymphs excrete a substance called honeydew. This excretion and the sap attract other insects and provide a medium for sooty mold fungi growth, which covers leaf surfaces and can stunt or kill plants. A late nymph is pictured below.

 
Photo by Richard Gardner, bugwood.org

What Can You Do?

• If you find a Spotted Lanternfly, report it. Send an email to badbug@pa.gov or call the hotline at 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359).
• Follow the Quarantine Compliance Checklist.
• Destroy egg masses.
• Remove Tree of Heaven, which is difficult to kill.
• Band infected trees.

For more information visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.