![]() ![]() It is possible that after heavy feeding, multiple years of sustained damage, or particularly dry years, SLF may cause significant damage to ornamental and shade trees. Following high infestation levels, flagging and canopy dieback of black walnut, willow, staghorn sumac, and maple have been reported. SLF is a plant stressor that, in combination with other stressors (e.g., diseases, weather), can cause significant damage to host plants. Plant death has only been observed in grapevines, tree-of-heaven, and some tree saplings. Some plants are at more risk than others. SLF does not kill every tree on which it feeds. Be aware that SLF is very mobile and management actions must be continuous to keep them controlled.Ĭonsequences of direct feeding damage to the host trees have not been quantified. There is no way to prevent SLF from moving onto your property. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the mold, as control measures may differ for pests other than SLF. If you see sooty mold or sticky areas on a plant or tree, it may be infested by SLF, but it could also be infested with other insects that produce honeydew, such as aphids, leafhoppers, or scales. This mold is generally harmless to people but can damage the plant. SLF expels significant amounts of honeydew, and often the plant surface and the area around infested plants become coated with honeydew and sooty mold. Honeydew serves as a substrate for sooty mold, fungi that thrive in sugary environments. When SLF feeds, it excretes honeydew, a sugar-rich liquid waste product. SLF feeds using a piercing-sucking mouthpart tapped into the plant like a straw. SLF is capable of causing serious damage to host plants, including oozing sap from the trees, wilting, leaf curling, and tree dieback. If you find a spotted lanternfly, kill it and report it immediately with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's online reporting system or by calling 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-88). More counties may be added to the quarantine if additional populations of SLF are confirmed. An SLF quarantine is currently in effect for 26 counties in Pennsylvania (Figure 2). Manage SLF on your property by scraping and destroying eggs, carefully using bands or traps on trees, removing preferred hosts, and using registered insecticides for control when appropriate.Stop the spread of SLF by checking your car and any outdoor equipment (grills, mowers, firewood, etc.) when going in and out of the quarantine zone.SLF is a plant stressor that, along with other stressors, can cause significant damage to its host. SLF does not kill all trees it feeds on.SLF has also been found in 5 other states in the northeastern U.S. As of May 2020, 26 counties in Pennsylvania are under quarantine for SLF.SLF is a destructive invasive pest threatening agricultural and ornamental plants.The life stages of SLF, including an egg mass on a tree. SLF wings are gray with black spots, and the tips of the wings are black with gray veins.įigure 1. SLF wings remain closed while they are feeding and walking. Adults have black bodies with brightly colored wings. This is the most obvious and easily detectable stage because they are large (~1 inch) and highly mobile. SLF adults emerge in July and are active until winter. The first three stages (instars) are all black with white spots, and the last instar is red with white dots and black stripes (Figure 1). Nymphs are small (⅛ to ½ inch) and can be hard to find. After hatching and before reaching adulthood, SLF goes through four nymphal stages. Egg masses are laid on hard surfaces (trees, decks, houses, outdoor equipment, rocks, etc.) and protected with a mud-like covering. The eggs are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring. Fourth, employ effective management strategies at the proper time of the year. Third, determine what plants it is infesting and what it is not. Second, learn about its life cycle and habits. ![]() If you think you have SLF, do not panic! First, make sure the insect you are seeing is the spotted lanternfly. It feeds on many plants, including economically important crops like grapevines and ornamentals. Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper, native to Asia, that was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. A guide that reviews the identification, life cycle, current distribution, and techniques for managing spotted lanternfly on your property.
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