The spotted lanternfly is a non-native plant hopper originally from Asia.
Lycorma deliculata is small, brightly colored, but very destructive. It was found in Pennsylvania in 2014-15 and has spread slowly, to be found in New Castle County, DE in late 2017. The adult is approx 1 inch by 1/2 inch at rest, and grey/pink in color. Expanded hind wings are a colorful red with black spots and the abdomen yellow. The insect feeds by producing wounds along branches, that exude sap. Hosts include grapes, apples, stone fruits, walnut, willow, and tree of heaven, which officials think is a necessary host for reproduction. Egg masses are laid in November, and look like smears of old chewing gum on branches, rocks, tree trunks, railway boards, cinder blocks, outdoor furniture and vehicles. Eggs will hatch in April or May, and nymphs are red and black. If you find this bug or egg masses, take a picture and contact de.gov/hitchhikerbug More info may be found at: https://dda.delaware.gov/plantind/spotted-lanternfly.shtml .
NFG 12/14/2017
Tag: fruit tree pest
New Invasive Insect Pest – Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, a poor flying but strong jumping moth-like pest that attacks grapes, apples, tree of heaven (Ailanthus), and other hosts has been found in Berks County Pennsylvania. The inch long insect is a potentially devastating pest. Please see the PA Department of Agriculture web site at: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata), an inch-long black, red and white spotted pest, is native to China, India, Japan and Vietnam. It’s an invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant species which also grow in the U.S.. In the U.S. it has the potential to impact grape, fruit tree and logging industries. The pest attacks many hosts including grapes, apples, pines, stone fruits and more. This time of year, look for adults and egg masses on trees such as Ailanthus, and please collect samples and report any suspect finds to your local Cooperative Extension office or Delaware Department of Agriculture.
