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Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
What are Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) Lycorma delicatula, is a planthopper native to China and Southeastern Asia. Discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, and it has since been found in New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and New York. Despite efforts to quarantine and eradicate the pest, it has begun to spread throughout the Northeast United States. The Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to the economy and the many forests of the United States. SLF feeds on sugary sap from over 70 species plants and trees, depriving them of nutrient access. Excretions of sticky honeydew from large collections of SLF can prevent sunlight from reaching trees and encourage the growth of sooty mold on plants. The combination of economic and environmental damage can restrict peoples enjoyment in parks and their own backyards.
Places to learn more about Spotted Lanternfly
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NYS efforts to combat SLF - Dept. of Agriculture and Markets
- Spotted Lanternfly Research - Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture
- Spotted Lanternfly Damage - Cornell Cooperative Extension
- SLF Species Page - Long Island Invasive Species Management
- SLF Fact Sheet - University of Massachussetts Amherst
- Stop SLF.org
- Spotted Lanternfly Lands - U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
It takes one year for the Spotted Lanternfly to complete its lifecycle. There are four instars (a phase between two periods of molting in development of an insect) of the Spotted Lanternfly. During each of these stages the Spotted Lanternfly can dramatically change in appearance and characteristics.
How can you help?
Educate yourself
Learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly, learn what it looks like at all 4 stages, how to spot egg masses and where to look for them. Educate friends and family about the threat they pose to the environment and how to spot them.
Monitor
Adopt a gridsquare on iMapInvasives and work with organizations like LIISMA to help monitor populations of Spotted Lanternfly in your local area
Stop Them!
If you are out in a park or preserve and see spotted lanternfly or egg masses, squish them with a nearby stick or use your shoe. You can also collect them in a water bottle or a container with a similar sized 1" opening to be sealed and thrown away