T
he spotted lanternfly (Lycorma
delicatula) is an exotic, invasive
insect which recently has been found
in the United States. Its native range
includes China and India, and it likely
was introduced to the U.S. via trade. It
was first discovered in Pennsylvania in
2014, and has recently also been found
in New York, Delaware and Virginia. It
has not been found in Nebraska.
The adult spotted lanternfly (SLF)
is about one inch long with gray
forewings. These wings have 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.
The females lay
egg masses on trunks
of trees, or any
smooth surface, in
the fall. Egg masses
initially look gray
and mud-like, but
as they age, turn brown and individual
eggs laid in rows within the mass
become visible. Eggs hatch in the
spring, with nymphs seeking out new
hosts on which to feed.
The SLF's preferred host is the tree-
of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and if
it only fed on this weedy, invasive tree,
it would not be a significant problem in
Nebraska. However, SLF will feed on
more than 65 different plants, including
grapes, fruit trees, oak, walnut and even
pines, making it a pest of concern to
Nebraska.
Both nymphs and adults feed on plant
sap, and similar to other leafhoppers,
have piercing-
sucking mouthparts.
The SLF does not
feed on foliage or
flowers, but on the
woody parts of
plants – the trunk
or branches. Their
feeding may cause
weeping wounds
on trunks, and the insects secrete
honeydew, which can accumulate on and
around the host plants. Infested plants
experience reduced vigor, and fruit trees
and grapes fed on by the SLF will often
produce lower yields. The insects may
also vector other diseases as they feed.
As with any exotic, invasive pest,
early detection is key to effective
control. Be vigilant in keeping an eye
open for invaders such as SLF. If you
think you've seen a SLF, take pictures
or collect a specimen, and report your
suspicions to the Nebraska Department
of Agriculture at 402-471-2351. ■
By Julie Van Meter
State Entomologist, Nebraska
Department of Agriculture
Presented by
Bug Banter
MARCH 2018 • NEBRASKAland 15
Early instars.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
LAWRENCE BARRINGER,
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE, BUGWOOD.
ORG.
Later instar.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
LAWRENCE BARRINGER,
PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, BUGWOOD.
ORG.
Adults.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
LAWRENCE BARRINGER,
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE,
BUGWOOD.ORG.
Adults
Spotted lanternfl y
adult
