Spotted Lanternfly

Lateral view of an adult Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
Photograph by Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

What is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The Spotted Lanternfly is a plant hopper native to China, India and Vietnam, and has been introduced in South Korea and Japan. In Korea, where it was first detected in 2004, the Spotted Lanternfly is known utilize more than 70 species, 25 of which also occur in Pennsylvania, including cultivated grapes, fruit trees, and hardwood species. In the U.S., the Spotted Lanternfly has the potential to greatly impact the viticulture (grape), tree fruit, plant nursery and timber industries. This pest poses a significant threat to the state’s more than $20.5 million grape, nearly $134 million apple, and more than $24 million stone fruit industries, as well as the hardwood industry in Pennsylvania which accounts for $12 billion in sales.

On September 22, 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, confirmed the presence the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, (WHITE)) in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the first detection of this non-native species in the United States. Upon determination that the potential impact to Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy and natural resources was great, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine with the intent to restrict the movement of the Spotted Lanternfly on November 1, 2014. Townships and Burroughs in eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, are under a limited movement quarantine as the Department and its federal, state, local and non-governmental cooperators develop a strategy to eliminate this pest from the Commonwealth.

Lycorma adult with wings spread showing colorful hind wing
Photograph by Holly Raguza, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

First Instar Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) Nymph

Fourth Instar Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) Nymph

Adults can be seen as early as the middle of July and take on a much different appearance. Adults at rest have a black head and grayish wings with black spots. The tips of the wings are a combination of black rectangular blocks with grey outlines. When startled or flying the Spotted Lanternfly will display hind wings that are red at the base and black at the tip with a white stripe dividing them. The red portion of the wing is also adorned with black spots. The abdomen is bright to pale yellow with bands of black on the top and bottom surfaces. While a poor flyer, the Spotted Lanternfly is a strong jumper.
In the fall, adults prefer Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), another introduced invasive species in Pennsylvania, as their primary food source, mating and egg-laying location. However, Tree of Heaven is not the only tree or surface the Spotted Lanternfly will lay eggs upon – any smooth trunked tree, stone or vertical smooth surface can provide a potential host for eggs masses. Manmade items like vehicles, campers, yard furniture, farm equipment or any other items stored outside are suitable sites for egg laying. Egg laying begins in late September and continues through late November or early December.
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), also known as Paradise tree, is a fast growing deciduous tree that is native to China. It is often found growing in disturbed sites or along roadways where it can establish rapidly. Ailanthus has smooth, light gray bark with large “palm-like” leaves that can grow up to 3 feet in length. The leaflets have smooth edges and 2-4 identifying glands on the underside of the leaflet near the stem. When crushed, the leaves will have a rancid smell often described as “spoiled” or “burnt” peanut butter. The tree of heaven tends to grow in clumps where many individual stems share one common root system. Some of these stems may succumb quickly while others may reach a height of 60-80 feet. Large clusters of blooming yellow-green flowers will hang from the end of new shoots in summer. Flowers will turn to seeds encased in winged, papery samaras (similar to maple seeds), that are tan to red in color, becoming dry and brown as fall approaches.

Flowering Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Leaves

There are several trees that are look-alikes to the tree of heaven. Toona sinensis is very similar in looks but there are several distinct differences. The bark of this species is dark brown with a reddish tint, often flaking in vertical strips as the tree ages. The “palm-like” leaves emerge pink or red and will turn green as they age. Unlike the rancid crushed leaf smell of the Tree of Heaven, Toona leaves have an oniony smell. Flowers are sweetly scented and cream in color producing a seed capsule that has 5 petals and contains winged seeds. This tree reaches 30- 40 feet in height. Smooth and Staghorn Sumac (Rhus glabra and Rhus typhina) are often confused with Tree of Heaven due to similarities in appearance and form. Sumacs produce red, fuzzy flower clusters which are very different from Tree of Heaven or Toonis. If the flowers are not present, identification can be made by the teeth present along the leaf edge and the tree’s mature height of approximately 20 ft. The crushed leaves do not have an offensive odor.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), although more similar to the tree of heaven when young, can often be ruled out as the invasive Ailanthus rather quickly when older. The leaves follow the same shape and “palm-like” look of the tree of heaven but are toothed along the leaf edge. Black Walnut can become very large as they mature with rough, gray- black bark which is deeply furrowed. Fruits of the Black Walnut are edible nuts covered in a green, spicy smelling husk, and are approximately 3” in diameter. These will drop to the ground in early fall.

Black Walnut Tree

Signs and Symptoms

In the Spring, beginning in late April to mid-May, search for the nymphs on smaller plants and vines, and any new growth on trees and shrubs.  Fruit trees and grapes may be more susceptible to damage and mortality when larger populations of Lanternflies are found nearby.
As the year progresses third and fourth instar nymphs and adults will migrate to Tree of Heaven, as a primary host, and may be seen feeding on the trunk and branches of the tree.  Trees can be afflicted with weeping wounds of sap on the trunks, with heavy populations causing honey dew secretions to build up at the base of the tree, blackening the base of the tree and surrounding soil around the base with sooty mold fungal growth.  Increased activity of wasps, hornets, bees, and ants can be seen feeding on honeydew secretions and at tree wounds.  In large population areas, adults will also be seen feeding on other trees in the surrounding area, including Willows, Maples, Poplars, Tulip Poplars, Birch, Ash, and others.

The Spotted Lanternfly begins laying eggs in masses of 30 to 50 eggs, covered in a brown, mud-like substance, in late September or early October.  Egg masses may be found on adult host trees, especially Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus alitissima), moderately-sized stones and other smooth surfaced outdoor items, such as lawn furniture, stone and brick work, and outdoor recreational vehicles.  The egg mass poses, perhaps, the greatest risk for accidental transport of the Spotted Lanternfly to new areas.

Two Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
Photograph by Holly Raguza, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

What to do if you find the Spotted Lanternfly

If you find a Spotted Lanternfly or a suspicious looking egg mass in a municipality where it is not known to exist, you should try to collect it and put it into a vial filled with alcohol to kill and preserve it, or at least take a good picture of it. Report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing [email protected] or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189. Your discovery could add additional municipalities to the quarantined area. If you find any life stage of spotted lanternfly in a municipality where it is known to exist, you should try to destroy it. This insect is considered a threat to some crops and many people are working to try to prevent it from spreading. Each female will lay up to 100 or more eggs in fall, so by destroying even one female, you are reducing the potential population for the future. To see a demonstration of destroying egg masses go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoFp_MbDiE8.

How to Eliminate or Control Spotted Lanternfly Adults

If you find Spotted Lanternflies in a municipality where they are known to exist, you should try to kill them.
The most effective way to eliminate these insects is to disrupt their favorite food and hang‐out. In late summer and fall, Spotted Lanternflies prefer feeding on Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as the “Tree of Heaven.” They can be found feeding on other plants and trees, but Ailanthus altissima is their favorite host.

If you have Ailanthus on your property: please consider reducing the number of Ailanthus trees, then treat remaining “trap trees” with insecticides. This is a longer‐lasting solution than simply spraying insects you see.

If you want to kill Spotted Lanternflies without controlling Ailanthus: When there are only a few insects, you can kill spotted lanternflies by swatting or crushing them. For large populations, two kinds of insecticides are widely available that will kill Spotted Lanternfly adults. Contact insecticides kill spotted lanternflies when the chemical contacts the insect directly. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the tree and kill insects feeding on it. ALL insecticides must be used as directed on the label. Take the time to read the label carefully and follow the directions. This increases your safety, the safety of the environment, and the effectiveness of the insecticide.

Pennsylvania law requires that pesticide labels list the site where a pesticide (such as an insecticide) may be used. In Pennsylvania, insecticide labels do not have to specifically list the targeted insect. There are insecticides labeled for use on ornamental trees and around buildings. These products are legal to use on the sites listed in order to control Spotted Lanternflies in Pennsylvania.

Penn State Extension is currently testing to determine which insecticides are most effective in controlling adult spotted lanternflies. Preliminary results show insecticides with the active ingredients dinotefuran, imidacloprid, carbaryl, and bifenthrin are effective at controlling the spotted lanternfly. Neem oil and insecticidal soap provided some control, but results varied, and insects sometimes took several days to die.

There are many available insecticide products containing the most effective ingredients studied (dinotefuran, imidacloprid, carbaryl, and bifenthrin). There are two types of insecticides that can be used in landscapes and non-edible gardens: Contact insecticides and Systemic insecticides. Contact insecticides (bifenthrin, carbaryl) should be applied when adult insects are present. Systemic insecticides (imidacloprid, dinotefuran) are most effective when applied in spring and summer, before adults build up. There are also insecticides you can use on vegetables, fruit, berries and grapes. When using insecticides on edible crops, it is especially important to follow directions for chemical application and timing from harvest as stated on the label.

Spotted Lanternfly Response:

1. Initial delimiting survey
2. Federal assistance with the goal of eradication
3. Volunteer programs (egg mass scraping and volunteer tree bands)
4. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tree banding program
5. Collaboration and research
6. Quarantine
7. Evaluation of efforts

1. Initial Delimiting Survey

An initial delimiting survey was conducted from October 2014 through December 2014 which suggested that the introduction of Spotted Lanternfly was limited to a small area of Eastern Berks County in Pennsylvania, and had likely only been there for a few years. Several businesses operate in the infested area and worked with PDA to provide locations where material might have been moved. These locations were inspected by PDA plant inspectors and their counterparts in other states. No detections were made at these sites.

2. Federal Assistance with the Goal of Eradication

The United States Department of Agriculture assembled a new pest advisory group directly after the detection of the Spotted Lanternfly. This group meets weekly by teleconference and helps determine the impact of new pests, identifies resources, and offers guidance to a new pest response. This includes the identification of resources and the formation of a technical working group comprised of plant hopper experts, which is able to answer questions about the pest. This group has supported Pennsylvania’s response by putting the state in touch with resources needed to respond to this new pest.
In March, Pennsylvania was awarded almost $1.5 million through the Farm Bill to perform control work, conduct research, and implement outreach to affected citizens. Part of the award was made available to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to implement control and perform survey work. The rest of the grant was made available to Kutztown University, Penn State University, and North Carolina State University to conduct research on the pest. Efforts will focus on identifying the host range of the pest, its impact on grapes, and an analysis of its DNA. A grant to perform outreach and extension was also awarded to Penn State University.
In addition, through the efforts of the technical working group, several important questions are being investigated. These include testing the effects of chipping woody material on Spotted Lanternfly egg mass survivorship, the effects of various existing pesticides on immature life stages, and the attractiveness of certain plant volatiles for use in trapping programs.

3. Volunteer Programs

The Berks County communities, and local businesses operating in the area, have played a key part in Pennsylvania’s response to the introduction of Spotted Lanternfly. Public officials from Berks County have participated in several informational conferences, have donated resources, and have helped to keep their citizens engaged. Local businesses have agreed to operate under compliance, and many have voluntarily implemented mitigation practices as part of their operations. Citizens can help in several ways and several have participated in one of two official volunteer programs, the egg mass scraping program and the tree banding program.

3.a. Egg Mass Scraping Program

Egg masses are live and viable from about October through July. Volunteers can scrape them off of trees or smooth surfaces, double bag them and throw them in the garbage, or place the eggs in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Please also let us know of your efforts by clicking on the picture below and recording the number of eggs masses you scraped and/or destroyed.
For directions on how to report your scraped and destroyed eggs masses follow the instructions on the “Report Scraped Egg Masses Instructions” document under Resources.

Current Death Count
The estimated number of Spotted Lanternfly killed by Egg Mass Scraping based off of reported efforts. This number comes from the “Reporting Scraped Egg Masses Instructions” page. This number will be periodically updated to reflect the efforts of PDA and the community.

• Old Total: 1,539,195 (October 17, 2017)
• New Total: 1,562,085 (October 24, 2017)

3.b. Volunteer Tree Banding Program

Existing literature demonstrates that brown sticky tree bands are an effective, environmentally friendly way to catch Spotted Lanternfly nymphs. Through Federal Farm Bill funding, a limited number of bands have been made available for owners of confirmed infested properties. Two training sessions for owners of infested properties were conducted in April of 2015 and property owners began banding properties in May of 2015.

4. PDA Tree Banding Program

In conjunction with the volunteer effort, the main focus is a large scale tree banding program, targeting known positive properties. In May of 2016 two-person crews spotted lanternfly crews will resume banding properties in the quarantined area, as well working with volunteers banding their own properties. While residents in quarantined area are notified by direct mailings, PDA employees are instructed to make every attempt to contact property owners before entering a property for banding. Employees carry state issued identification and wear safety vests that read “Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Pest Survey” on the back.
Tree Band Death Count: 1,010,751 Spotted Lanternflies Controlled as of September 27, 2017

5. Collaboration and Research

Many groups and organization are pulling together to find solutions to stop this new pest. In addition to the Farm Bill funded efforts, through the efforts of the technical working group, several important questions are being investigated. These include testing the effects of chipping woody material on spotted lanternfly egg mass survivorship, the effects of various existing pesticides on immature life stages, and the attractiveness of certain plant volatiles for use in trapping programs. Temperature data is being compiled by the US Forest service to help determine when immature stages hatch out. The DCNR has provided technical expertise on egg mass survey techniques and assisted with the mapping of Ailanthus altissima. The DEP has provided technical advice on chemical control options. Local groups like the Berks County conservation district and cooperative extension have assisted with logistical support and communications. The Plant Health Resource Center has provided for the rapid production and distribution of outreach materials. A huge amount of credit is due to District Township who have provided a staging area for PDA crews to operate from as well as space for public meetings. Working together, all of these entities, and others not mentioned here are helping to respond in a coordinated manner and to answer questions about the pest that still need to be answered.

6. Quarantine

1. Since the pest is new to the United States, the department is reviewing a variety of options including eradication. Currently a quarantine is in place to stop the movement of this pest to new areas and to slow its spread within the quarantine.
2. The quarantine affects a variety of plant, wood and stone products.
3. Surveys are currently underway to determine the complete spread of this pest in Berks County and the surrounding counties. Efforts are also underway to ensure the Spotted Lanternfly is not present in other parts of the commonwealth.
4. There will be monthly calls to local officials. This call provides updates for officials and agencies in the quarantine. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions or share concerns of constituents.
5. The most important message is “Look Before You Leave.” We need everyone to look and remove any life stage prior to moving from the area. It’s important that outreach be provided to businesses and homeowners.
6. Packets of information will be distributed to municipalities. The information will include signs, alerts, and scraper cards.
7. Checklist for residents available on the webpage. Once signed it is a legal document. Items such as campers, RV’s, outdoor items, etc. once inspected and registered on the checklist, may be moved from the property.
8. Plant Inspectors will assist businesses in determining their risk of moving the insect. Compliance Agreements with PDA to move out of the quarantine. Requires visit by inspector. No charge to businesses.

Who Will be Affected by the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine?

The quarantine was expanded to include Philadelphia County on November 4, 2017.

The quarantine is currently in place in the following municipalities:
Berks County- Albany, Alsace, Amity, Centre, Colebrookdale, Cumru, District, Douglass, Earl, Exeter, Greenwich, Hereford, Longswamp, Lower Alsace, Maiden Creek, Maxatawny, Oley, Ontelaunee, Perry, Pike, Richmond, Robeson, Rockland, Ruscombmanor, Union and Washington Townships; Bally, Bechtelsville, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Centerport, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Lyons, Mt. Penn, St. Lawrence, and Topton Boroughs. Reading City.
Bucks County- Bedminster, Haycock, Hilltown, Milford, New Britain, Plumstead, and Richland Townships; Chalfont, Dublin, New Britain, Quakertown, Richlandtown, Silverdale and Trumbauersville Boroughs.
Chester County- East Coventry, East Pikeland, East Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick, and West Vincent Townships; Phoenixville and Spring City Boroughs.
Lehigh County- Allentown and Bethlehem Cities; Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lower Milford, Lowhill, North Whitehall, Salisbury, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Weisenberg and Whitehall Townships; Alburtis, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Coplay, Emmaus and Macungie Boroughs.
Montgomery County- Douglass, Franconia, Hatfield, Limerick, Lower Frederick, Lower Pottsgrove, Lower Providence, Lower Salford, Marlborough, New Hanover, Salford, Skippack, Towamencin, Upper Frederick Upper Hanover, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper Providence, Upper Salford, and West Pottsgrove Townships; Collegeville, East Greenville, Green Lane, Hatfield, Lansdale, Pennsburg, Pottstown, Red Hill, Royersford, Schwenksville, Souderton, and Trappe Boroughs.
Northampton County- Allen, Bethlehem, East Allen, Hanover, Lower Nazareth, Moore, and Upper Nazareth Townships; Northampton and Nazareth Boroughs. Bethlehem City.

The quarantine may be expanded to new areas as further detections of the Spotted Lanternfly are detected and confirmed. Intentional movement of the Spotted Lanternfly is expressly prohibited and is a serious offense. Violations could result in criminal or civil penalties and/or fines. The quarantine restricts the movement of certain articles. If you are seeking to enter into a compliance agreement to be able to move these materials you can request a permit by contacting Penn State Extension for information. Industries and regulated articles under the quarantine that are not to be removed/moved to a new area are:

• Any living stage of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This includes egg masses, nymphs, and adults.
• Brush, debris, bark, or yard waste
• Landscaping, remodeling or construction waste
• Logs, stumps, or any tree parts
• Firewood of any species
• Grapevines for decorative purposes or as nursery stock
• Nursery stock
• Crated materials
• Outdoor household articles including recreational vehicles, lawn tractors and mowers, mower decks, grills, grill and furniture covers, tarps, mobile homes, tile, stone, deck boards, mobile fire pits, any associated equipment and trucks or vehicles not stored indoors.

7. Evaluation of Efforts

Spotted lanternfly is new to North America. Though a good deal of information is available, there are still a number of unknowns. In 2015, efforts by PDA and the other cooperating partners, researchers, and volunteers will need to be evaluated. Egg mass scraping and the tree banding programs will remove many insects from the population and reduce the size of the current population, but these activities will also help to better characterize how the pest is behaving in this new environment. Evaluation of methodology will lead to a stronger program as PDA and its partners continue to battle the Spotted Lanternfly.

What Can You Do?

Limit the spread of Spotted Lanternfly: You can take steps personally to limit the chance you may spread Spotted Lanternfly. You can use the “Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Checklist” to make sure items on and around your home are pest free before moving them. You can also check your vehicle for hitch hiking Lanternflies if you plan on leaving the quarantine area. Taking steps to not park or leave items under tree lines will also reduce the risk of Spotted Lanternfly becoming an unwelcome hitch hiker.
Collect a specimen: Turn the adult specimen or egg mass in to the department’s Entomology Lab for verification. First, place the sample in alcohol or hand sanitizer in a leak proof container. A Sample Submission Form can be found in the Publications section below.
Take a picture: Submit photographs to [email protected].
Submit Online:Report to Penn State Extension Here
Report a site: Call the Spotted Lanternfly hotline at 1-888-4BADFLY with details of the site and your contact information.
Spotted Lanternfly Webinar: https://meeting.psu.edu/p8vdmfal67f/?proto=true

Resources

• Contact your local Penn State Extension office
• Spotted Lanternfly – Penn State Extension
• Spotted Lanternfly – PA Dept of Agriculture
• HungryPests: Spotted Lanternfly
• Lycorma – University of Delaware
• Forest Invasives – Canada
• Email [email protected]
• Call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189
• How to Eliminate or Control the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly for Homeowners
• What to do if You Find the Spotted Lanternfly on Your Property
• Guidelines for the Control of Spotted Lanternfly
• Video Demonstration of Egg Mass Scraping
• Identifying Ailanthus altissima

**Source: PA Department of Agriculture**