Fall Scouting for Spotted Lanternfly
Since its discovery in Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternfly (SLF) has spread to several states in the northeast. Confirmed infestations of this pest were reported in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. In early August 2022, Michigan reported its first spotted lanternfly detection, making it the 13th state with an established SLF population.
Erin Biggs, NDA
SLF is a hitchhiking pest that was likely brought in with nursery stock from an infested state.
In cooperation with USDA, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has been conducting SLF surveys at nurseries, transportation corridors, and other high-risk areas in the state for several years. No SLF has been found in Nebraska to date.
Fall is an ideal season to scout for adult spotted lanternfly and their egg masses. Adults are approximately 1” in length. Their forewings are primarily gray with black spots and narrow black rectangles at the tips, while their hindwings are red, white, and black. Adult SLF has a strong preference for tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and can be found on the trunk, epicormic sprouts, and near the ends of branches in the canopy. Other hosts that can harbor and attract SLF are grapevines (wild and cultivated), black walnut, birch, willow, sumac, and soft maples (red, silver, boxelder). SLF may be found feeding on any woody plant whose cambium can easily be exposed by scraping the bark with a fingernail.
Newly laid egg mass – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
It takes less than an hour for an adult to lay an egg mass that will remain dormant until spring, meaning SLF could be transported long distances before being discovered.
SLF egg masses are approximately 1 to 1½” in length and can vary in appearance depending on age. A newly laid egg mass will have a white, glossy protective covering that turns gray/brown when dry. This covering cracks and fades, breaking off over time due to weathering and egg-hatch. Each egg mass contains 30 to 50 individual eggs laid end-to-end in parallel rows.
Older egg masses – Erin Biggs, NDA
When inspecting nursery stock and other materials for egg masses, pay close attention to the undersides of smooth, hard surfaces. These surfaces may include tree trunks, tree branches, firewood, wood pallets, stone, metal, trailers, vehicles, outdoor equipment, and more.
If you’ve seen a spotted lanternfly, take pictures or collect a specimen, report your suspicions to your NDA Entomology Inspector, or contact Julie Van Meter, NDA Entomology Program Manager/State Entomologist, at 402-471-6847 or julie.vanmeter@nebraska.gov.