Guest authors: Courtney Smith and Kelly Oten, NCSU Extension
Image: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
You won’t like the spotted lanternfly if you like to sit under the shade of trees, enjoy fruits such as apples, sip wine or work in the garden. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that attacks numerous plants. It was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has become an extreme annoyance. In 2018, this pest was spotted in Virginia. Its bright colors and unique pattern may be beautiful, but the damage and nuisance are anything but!
The spotted lanternfly is documented to feed on 103 plant types worldwide! Its favorite is the invasive tree of heaven, which appears to support spread of the pest. Spotted lanternfly also attacks hardwoods and woody vines like maples, fruit trees, grapevines and hops. As a result of its feeding habits, it is a threat to the grape, fruit tree and plant nursery industries. Infested vineyards have documented as much as a 90% reduction in grape yields due to this pest.
Image: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Not only is the spotted lanternfly a threat to our economy, it is also downright annoying. Like other planthoppers, the spotted lanternfly uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap. It excretes a sugary substance called honeydew, which often covers outdoor equipment and decks in areas that the insect has infested. Even worse, honeydew fosters the growth of sooty mold, a dark fungus which is aesthetically displeasing and can block photosynthetic capabilities of plants. In states where the pest is rampant, people have reported that its huge numbers and annoying habits make it harder for them to enjoy time outside.
The spotted lanternfly moves quickly. It can lay eggs on any flat surface, making it is easy for people to unknowingly transport the pest. The eggs are contained within gray masses. To prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly, it’s important to keep an eye out for these masses as well as the pest itself.
Image: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Image: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
You can help stop the spread of spotted lanternfly by checking outdoor items and vehicles for egg masses and by being on the lookout for both adults and immatures. If you find it, report it! By being on the lookout, you can help protect our economy and preserve the fruits, ornamentals and wine that you love!