Lycorma delicatula
Abbreviation: SLF
Spotted lanternfly is present in: China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
The insect was first detected in the United States, in southeastern Pennsylvania in September 2014. In 2018, USDA confirmed spotted lanternfly populations in Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Spotted lanternfly is a pest of the following plants: more than 70 plant species including stone fruits, grapes, pine, poplar, sycamore, walnut, willow trees, apple, hops, and preferred host tree Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as tree-of-heaven.
Evidence of spotted lanternfly damage includes: damage from sucking sap from stems and leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening the plant. When feeding, the insects excrete large amounts of honeydew, which promotes mold growth and attracts other insects.
CBP Agriculture Specialists, please refer to manuals for general inspection guidelines. When performing inspections, look for eggs in late September in masses of 30 to 50 eggs covered in a brown, mud-like substance. Egg masses overwinter until spring and can be found on inert commodities as stones, bricks, wooden pallets, sides of containers, and other smooth-surface items stored outdoors.
Hitchhiking nymphs and adults have been found with nonagricultural commodities such as metal parts, plastic wrap over pallets, and vehicles from host countries.
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