spot the spot

While we have posted BYGL alerts to encourage Ohioans to be on the look-out for signs and symptoms of a spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula (White)) infestation in the buckeye state, there is another tool that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) are using in locations associated with transportation opportunities the SLF might be utilizing to aid its movement (i.e., road side rest areas, truck stops, or near railways). We realize that although this insect can spread on its own, usually on a limited basis, the greatest threat...

Recently, an Ohioan returned from a road trip to Pennsylvania. In addition to all the memories made, this traveler unintentionally brought back a hitch-hiker – a spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF). The individual quickly captured and ended the insect’s life before reaching out to his local Extension Educator. The suspect sample was submitted to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) for confirmation based on the USDA protocol established to confirm non-native pests not currently established, or with limited presence in the case of Asian Longhorned beetle, in the state.

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper first detected in eastern Pennsylvania in Berks County in 2014, and has since been detected in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The map below was updated on August 14, 2020 and includes both individual finds of SLF with no infestation present (purple dots), and where SLF infestations are present (blue areas) - which means a reproducing population had been detected and multiple life-stages of the insect has been detected and confirmed. 

While the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) has not been detected in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), along with the Ohio State University (OSU) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are urging Ohioans to continue to be on the look-out for this invasive insect. Many are using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) App to report tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), a favorite food or host for this plant hopper, especially as an adult, and then revisiting the tree looking for signs and symptoms of SLF throughout the year.

While the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) has not been found in Ohio, the detection of the non-native invasive in Western Pennsylvania has people concerned. Ashley Kulhanek, OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator in Medina County, and Jamie Dahl, Central State University Extension's Forest Outreach Coordinator, have co-authored a FactSheet, Be Alert for Spotted Lanternfly, ANR-83.