New resource to help manage the invasive spotted lanternfly

This colorful, inch-long insect can be enormously destructive to crops, timber, and ornamental plants. Among the 40 plant species counted as its hosts are grapes, peaches, apples, dogwood, maples, walnut, oak, and pines.

Native to northern China, the spotted lanternfly has spread to Korea and Japan, where it has caused considerable damage. Last year authorities in Berks County, Pennsylvania quarantined five townships and issued an alert document to help people identify the pest.

"I don't want to scare people," said Dr. Surendra Dara, one of the co-authors, "but it has the potential to spread, and we do not have a biological-control agent."

Dr. Dara's paper provides a detailed description of both nymphs and adults. It also describes feeding methods, including the fact that older nymphs and adults often feed in groups, one of the clues to their identity. Adults and nymphs pierce the phloem and suck out soft tissue with their mouthparts. Heavy feeding causes wounds that ooze on tree trunks. The honeydew then accumulates around the base of the trees and serves as a medium for sooty mold, which can injure or kill the tree.

For now, the spotted lanternfly remains confined to a small area of Pennsylvania, but according to Dr. Dara, all appropriate interests should stand by, keep watch, and -- especially -- be ready.