What's The Issue?

Attention travelers, check your vehicles for the spotted lanternfly (SLF) while you’re enjoying end-of-season adventures. The spotted lanternfly has a high spread potential, as the insect lays its eggs on nearly any flat surface, and adults and nymphs can easily hitchhike on vehicles; therefore, those traveling from areas where SLF is present can easily and unknowingly spread SLF to new areas.

To prevent the spread of SLF, be sure to check the grill and wheel wells of your vehicle for SLF adults and eggs while traveling. 

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that can devastate New York’s agricultural and tourism industries and threatens our forests. This invasive planthopper feeds on over 100 different plant species. The biggest agricultural concerns are the impacts SLF will have on grapes, hops, apples, blueberries, stone fruits, and maple trees.  

SLF feeds in large numbers and excretes honeydew that attracts sooty molds; these molds interfere with plant photosynthesis and impact crop growth and yields. In addition, the honeydew puts off a foul odor and attracts stinging insects which can restrict your enjoyment of parks and your own backyard if SLF is present.

SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and despite quarantine efforts, it has since spread to several states along the Northeast including parts of New York state (view a distribution map). 

What You Can Do to Help?

  • Check your vehicle and any other equipment you’re transporting for SLF adults, nymphs, and egg masses (get tips on where to look). 
  • Remove, destroy, and dispose of SLF adults and eggs found on your vehicle.
  • Report sightings of SLF (see below).
  • Use the pre-made social media graphics at the bottom of this blog to help spread the word about SLF!
  • Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestation you see and, if possible, include something for size, such as a coin or ruler.
  • If possible, collect the insect. Place in a bag and freeze, or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
  • If feasible destroy the insect/egg mass especially before traveling if found on a vehicle. 
  • Report findings to NYiMapInvasives.org, fill out a Sighting Form, or email spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.

What to Look For

Spotted lanternfly presence can be identified by egg masses that are one inch long and appear to be brownish-gray and waxy or are brown and scaly; massive honeydew build-up under plants that may form black sooty mold; sap oozing or weeping from wounds on host plants that appear wet and may give off a fermented odor. 

Early-stage SLF nymphs are black with white spots, they range in size depending on their life-cycle stage. SLF nymphs turn red with white spots just before they transform into winged adults. SLF adults are 1 inch long and ½ inch wide with greyish-colored forewings and red hindwings with black spots; their upper wing portions are dark with white stripes.  Adult SLF usually appears in July. In the fall, SLF adults lay egg masses that are an inch long with a smooth brownish-gray waxy appearance, as the egg masses age they turn brown and scaly.   

Image taken from the NYS DEC & Agricutlure and Markets Spotted Lanternfly Flyer

Tree of heaven is an invasive tree that is favored by the spotted lanternfly as a host plant. If you encounter TOH please check it for signs of spotted lanternfly and their eggs. Learn more about tree of heaven.

Social Media Toolbox

Help spread the word by using these pre-made social media graphics and captions on your social media channels! To download, right-click over the image to save it and then upload it onto your favorite social media platform. 

While you're enjoying apple picking and other fall activities, be sure to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
While you're enjoying apple picking and other fall activities, be sure to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Before your next fishing trip, be sure to check your vehicle and equipment for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Before your next fishing trip, be sure to check your vehicle and equipment for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Burn local firewood to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests. #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Burn local firewood to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests. #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Check your vehicle and equipment for the spotted lanternfly before you travel. #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
Check your vehicle and equipment for the spotted lanternfly before you travel. #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
On your next leaf peeping adventure be sure to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM
On your next leaf peeping adventure be sure to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly! #StopSpottedLanternfly @SLELOPRISM

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