If you see this insect, stop what you are doing and smash it. Why? It is an invasive species called the spotted lanternfly, or SLF, that is threatening important plants in the United States. Invasive species are nonnative organisms that cause harm to the environment, human health, or the economy. Nonnative means that it does not naturally live in a particular area. SLF is native to Asia. It arrived in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has been spreading rapidly since.
Currently, SLF has been found in 18 states in the eastern United States. It is called a hitchhiking pest because it lays eggs on hard surfaces that are then transported to other areas. Experts believe that it was brought to the United States on cargo from overseas.
SLF does not directly harm humans, but it causes harm to many crops and trees, including grapes, maple, and birch trees. Because it is nonnative, it has no natural predators, so it reproduces rapidly. The insects suck sap from stems and branches. This weakens the plant and can eventually cause the plant to die. It also secretes a sweet, sticky substance as it feeds that can attract bees and wasps and cause mold growth.
People are the primary way that SLF spreads as they unknowingly carry the insect or its egg cases when they travel. In areas where SLF is found, people should inspect their property and vehicles before they travel. Residents should be able to identify SLF egg cases, nymphs, and adults since each life stage looks different. If you find these insects outside their current range [area in which members of a species are found], ask an adult to help you report it to your state plant regulatory official.
People are the primary way that SLF spreads as they unknowingly carry the insect or its egg cases when they travel. In areas where SLF is found, people should inspect their property and vehicles before they travel. Residents should be able to identify SLF egg cases, nymphs, and adults since each life stage looks different. If you find these insects outside their current range [area in which members of a species are found], ask an adult to help you report it to your state plant regulatory official.
What Can You Do? Has SFL been found in your area? What can you do to stop the spread?
Photo Credit: (t)GH Photos/Alamy Stock Photo, (b)Stephen Ausmus/USDA
