Nebraskaland

Nebraskaland Aug-Sept 2020

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1273904

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48 Nebraskaland • August-September 2020 MIXED BAG The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) continues to expand its range in the United States. This exotic, invasive insect, first found in the United States in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014, has now been confirmed in western Pennsylvania near the Ohio border and in several other states including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. While spotted lanternfly has not been found in Nebraska, it is important to continue to survey for this pest. The insect feeds on more than 65 different plants, including grapes, fruit trees, oak, walnut and even pines, making it a pest of concern to the state. Late summer and fall are excellent times to look for spotted lanternfly. Adults will aggregate during this time on the trunks of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), their preferred host. The adult spotted lanternfly is about 1 inch long and distinctive, with gray forewings that show black spots at the upper half and narrow black rectangles on the lower half. The underwings are red with black wingtips. Early instar nymphs are black with white spots, but later instars are red with black patches and white spots. Egg masses are laid on the trunks of tree-of-heaven in the fall, and initially look gray and mud-like. As they age, they turn brown and individual eggs laid in rows within the mass become visible. In addition to the insects and egg masses, look for signs and symptoms of an infestation, such as weeping wounds on the tree trunk caused by spotted lanternfly feeding, or an accumulation of honeydew and sooty mold on trunks and near the base of trees. As with any exotic, invasive pest, early detection is key to effective control. Be vigilant in keeping an eye open for invaders like the spotted lanternfly. If you think you have seen this pest in Nebraska, take pictures or collect a specimen, and report your suspicions to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351. SPOTTED LANTERNFLY MARCHES ON By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist Nebraska Department of Agriculture SLF Nymph LAWRENCE BARRINGER, PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUGWOOD. ORG SLF Adult EMELIE SWACKHAMER, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG SLF Adults RICHARD GARDNER, BUGWOOD.ORG

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