Spotted Lanternfly: Update on U.S. Distribution

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an exotic, invasive insect that was discovered in the United States in 2014. Its native range includes China and India, and it likely was introduced to the US via trade. Spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Pennsylvania, and infestations have since been found in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia, and most recently in Ohio. It has not been found in Nebraska.

Adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) are about 1” in length, with gray forewings. These wings have black spots at the upper half and narrow black rectangles on the lower half. The underwings are red with black wingtips. Early instar nymphs are black with white spots, but later instars are red with black patches and white spots.

SLF females lay egg masses on trunks of trees, or any smooth surface, in the fall. Egg masses initially look gray and mud-like, but as they age, turn brown and individual eggs laid in rows within the mass become visible. Eggs hatch in the spring, with nymphs seeking out new hosts on which to feed.

The SLF’s preferred host is the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and if it only fed on this weedy, invasive tree, would not be a significant problem in Nebraska. However, SLF will feed on more than 65 different plants, including grapes, fruit trees, oaks, walnut trees and even pines, making it a pest of concern to Nebraska.

Both SLF nymphs and adults feed on plant sap, and like other leafhoppers, have piercing-sucking mouthparts. The SLF does not feed on foliage or flowers, but on the woody parts of plants--the trunk and/or branches. Their feeding may cause weeping wounds on trunks, and the insects secrete honeydew which can accumulate on and around the host plants. Infested plants experience reduced vigor, and fruit trees and grapes fed on by the SLF will often produce lower yields. The insects may also vector other diseases as they feed.

There is concern that this pest is spreading in the northeast, and it has been documented moving on nursery stock. As with any exotic, invasive pest, early detection is key to effective control. Be vigilant in keeping an eye open for invaders like SLF. Check all nursery stock as it arrives at your nursery for insect and disease signs and symptoms. If you think you’ve seen an SLF insect or egg mass, or any other invasive pest, take pictures or collect a specimen, and safeguard the plant material to prevent the pest from spreading. Immediately report your suspicions to your NDA Entomology Inspector, or contact Julie Van Meter, Entomology Program Manager/State Entomologist, at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-6847 or Julie.vanmeter@nebraska.gov.