Common Name: Spotted lanternfly
Scientific name: Lycorma delicatula
Status in Hawaii: Not known to be present in Hawaii
A distinctive-looking planthopper pest characterized by the white spots it bears throughout its life.
Impacts
- Primarily attacks the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); younger instars feed on leaves causing stunted growth, later nymphs and adults cluster on woody tissue causing weeping wounds, sooty mold, and sometimes plant death.
- Feeds on grapevines, maples, pine trees, and can cause significant damage on fruit trees: plum, peach, apple.
Identification
- Look for indications of feeding (leaf damage, weeping wounds) on host plants.
- Sooty mold caused by the combination of sap from weeping wounds and honeydew from insects can indicate the presence of spotted lanternfly.
- Granular egg masses can be found on the smooth surfaces of the trunk.
- Early instars are black with white spots.
- The final instar is red with white spots and red wing pads.
Vectors/Commodities
- Anything stored outdoors in infested areas.
- Adults will lay egg masses on virtually any smooth surface including stone, bark, shipping containers, vehicles, and lawn furniture.
Distribution
- Native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
- Currently found in 11 mid-Atlantic states: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Best Management Practices
- This species is not known to occur in Hawaii. Prevention and early detection efforts protect Hawaii’s nursery and agricultural industry as well as the environment.
- Consider sourcing options and pest distribution when purchasing plants.
- BOLO: Be on the lookout! Carefully inspect all material coming from the mid-Atlantic states for egg masses, larvae, or adults.
- Report any suspect pests to 643pest.org or by phone 643-PEST (7378).
Other Nursery Pests
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This material was made possible, in part, by a Cooperative Agreement from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). It may not necessarily express APHIS’ views.
