We are urging Ohioans to be on the look-out for the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF). This non-native insect was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has been ‘popping-up’ in other states. We encourage others to become familiar with the insect and continue to be on the look-out for the actual insect itself, along with other signs and symptoms. Although not an outright killer of plants, it can be a stress factor causing plant decline, and sometimes death of certain host plants. This insect can also be a nuisance in numbers where recently reports in neighboring Pennsylvania have increased 500% from the previous year.

Below is a resource from Penn State Extension illustrating the life-cycle of the SLF. The insect overwinters in the egg stage where eggs are laid in masses on ‘any’ flat surface. If you were to spot SLF in Ohio, you would most likely be seeing adult activity this time of the year.

If you suspect seeing SLF in the buckeye-state, we encourage you to capture the insect(s) both literally and in photos, and report the suspect find in one of the following ways:

– The Great Lakes Early Detect Network (GLEDN) App that can be downloaded on your phone to report invasive species in Ohio and other Great Lake States. More information about the App can be found online at: https://apps.bugwood.org/apps/gledn/ You can also learn more by tuning in to some recorded presentations and videos shared by OSU colleagues. If you are monitoring the same site for SLF, you can also report negative finds to alert others that you are looking, but not finding SLF currently in that particular site.

– Suspect finds can also be reported on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website – Public Reporting Tab.

If you have an questions, reach out to ODA, your local OSU Extension office, or your Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Urban or Service Forester. Help join that battle of this invasive species by staying updated and resporting any suspect finds immediately. Thank you for your help in protecting Ohio.