What is the Spotted Lanternfly? How do I identify SLF and how do I report a sighting?
Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper first detected in Ohio in 2020 (Mingo Junction in Jefferson County). The Ohio Department of Agriculture is receiving >3000 reports monthly due to SLF. Click here to report a sighting of SLF. This invasive planthopper originates from Asia, but has been in the United States since 2014.
One-page SLF Guide PDF by Ashley Leach, Entomology Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist
SLF has quickly spread and now can be found in 11 states in the US. SLF has a long stylet (strawlike mouthpart), which cannot puncture human skin, but can puncture plants to insert their stylet to feed on phloem (plant sap). This means it’s hard to tell if SLF has fed on plants without observing active feeding. However, we can rely on other insect tells, including copious amount of honeydew (which may or may not develop into sooty mold), or unusually high amounts of plant stress (e.g., early senesce of leaves). SLF has a broad host range, with over 200 different plant hosts. Many of these hosts are common landscape plants, including tree of heaven, black walnut, maple, and wild grape (Murman et al., 2020). SLF can survive exclusively on cultivated grapes.
Often, spotted lanternflies travel by human transportation, so rail lines, parking lots, and other areas experiencing high traffic should be carefully monitored for the presence of SLF. Vineyards near transportation corridors and/or areas with a large proportion of SLF host plants may be at a higher risk for SLF colonization.
HOW DO I IDENTIFY SLF?
SLF are active from May to October. Nymphs hatch in late spring, and are polka-dotted with white or red spots. Adults emerge in July and are easily distinguished by their bright red markings and large size (>1 inch). In October, adults will lay egg masses which can resemble concrete or mud. Be on alert for their preferred plant host, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). This invasive plant species is a fast grower that multiples through root sprouts and seeds. Researchers have reported that the female tree can produce approximately 10 million seeds over a 40-year life-time!
To receive advice or a diagnotic ID, contact the Ohio State Plant & Pest Diagnostic Center (PPDC) arthropod diagnostician.
THINK YOU’VE SPOTTED THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY?
If you think you’ve seen SLF, reports can be made to the Ohio Department of Agriculture by calling (614-728-6400), emailing (plantpest@agri.ohio.gov), or reporting on their online reporting system (Click here to report a sighting of SLF). Photos, actual specimens, and exact locations are extremely important. You can also make reports on the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) App, which relies on citizen reporting for invasive species across the Great Lakes region.
Refer to the "Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners Guide" from Penn State Extension to learn how to handle this new pest.
Quick Facts From SLF Management For Homeowners
- SLF is a destructive invasive pest, threatening agricultural, timber, and ornamental industries, and the plants in your backyard.
- SLF does not bite or sting.
- Stop the spread of SLF by checking your car and any outdoor equipment (grills, mowers, firewood, etc.) when going in and out of the quarantine zone.
- Manage SLF on your property by scraping eggs, banding trees, removing the favored host (tree-of-heaven), and using chemical control when appropriate.
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"Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners Guide" was prepared by Heather Leach, spotted lanternfly extension associate; David Biddinger, tree fruit research entomologist and research associate professor; and Greg Krawczyk, extension tree fruit entomologist and research associate professor. This fact sheet was produced by Penn State Extension in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture.