Spotted Lanternfly
Additional Resources
General Information on Spotted Lanternfly (SLF)
Pest Status | Distribution | Monitoring | Where to Report | References
Please visit the spotted lanternfly webpage for information on the pest description, life history, and management.
Pest Status
- Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) can feed on diverse plants and many include economically important crops such as grapevines, hops, ornamental landscape plants, and a wide range of tree species. This pest is highly attracted to the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is also an invasive species native to China.
- This pest tends to aggregate in large numbers and can become a nuisance in residential areas when they can enter local businesses, swarm restaurant doors, and amass on trees or outdoor furniture.
- While this pest is not a strong flier, human activity can facilitate the spread of SLF when materials infested with eggs are transported long distances.
Distribution
- Spotted lanternfly is native to China. It is an invasive species in North America, first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, this pest has spread to 13 additional states: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. Spotted lanternfly has not yet been reported in Colorado.
Several instars of spotted lanternfly. Note that the last (fourth) instar has red markings in addition to the black body with white spots. Image credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Monitoring
Sticky band traps
- Sticky band traps are deployed on the trunks of trees about four feet above the ground. These traps can be very effective since SLF tends to move up and down tree trunks.
- It is necessary to include a barrier that excludes non-target organisms such as beneficial insects and birds.
- While sticky band traps are effective at detecting SLF, they are not an effective management tool once this pest is established.
- Young nymphs (1st to 3rd instars) are more likely to be captured on sticky band traps than fourth instars or adults.
- It is recommended that bands be checked at least once a week.
Circle traps
- Circle traps can be made at home and consist of a funnel that directs migrating SLF into a collection container at the top.
- A detailed guide on how to build circle traps is available here.
- Note: To avoid injuring the tree, the use of nails should be avoided when installing circle traps.
Sticky band trap deployed around a tree trunk. These traps are effective monitoring tools for detecting the presence of spotted lanternfly. Young nymphs are most likely to be captured by these traps. Image credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Visual inspection (egg masses)
- Eggs are laid on hard surfaces such as plastic, wood, and metal. In areas where SLF has been confirmed, these materials should be inspected for the presence of egg masses before transport.
- When found, egg masses should be smashed, burned, or scraped into a sealable container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to prevent them from hatching. This can help reduce SLF numbers early in the season.
Egg masses of spotted lanternfly. Note how well they camouflage with the tree bark. Spotted lanternfly can lay eggs on any hard surface made of wood, metal, or plastic. Image credit: Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Where to Report Findings
Suspicious insects can be reported to the CDA website or emailed to CAPS.program@state.co.us
Note: It is recommended to take high quality photos of suspicious insects.
References
References
Penn State. 2023. Spotted Lanternfly Management Guidelines. Penn State – Extension. Available https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-guide
Penn State. (n.d.). Assessing Economic Impact. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Available https://agsci.psu.edu/research/impacts/themes/biodiversity/detecting-biological-invasions/assessing-economic-impact#:~:text=If%20not%20contained%2C%20the%20spotted,State’s%20College%20of%20Agricultural%20Sciences.
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