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
