Egg masses of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, on Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima, were discovered by an arborist during the week of February 14, 2022 in Amherst, Lorain County. Ohio Department of Agriculture inspected the trees the week of February 21st. A formal announcement was made by ODA in early March 2022. So, what can YOU do? Scout!

Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive pest commonly found to infest Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima. In addition, the insect’s 2nd favorite host is grapes which is bad news for vineyards in Ohio. As of this article, infestations have been found in Jefferson County, Cuyahoga County and Lorain County. All 3 of these infestations were found on Tree of Heaven that were growing along railroad tracks.

Infestation was first discovered in the United States near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The insect is a great hitchhiker on railroad cars and trucks. Adults can hop on a train that is idle, and then transported to other locations. Adults can hop off the train then lay eggs on typically Tree of Heaven but also on Mulberry, Morus alba.

The eggs are laid in the fall and stay dormant until they hatch in the spring. The 4th instar is red with white spots and measures around a half inch. The 4th instar is red with white spots and measures around a half inch. The adults can range from an inch to 1 ½ inches. These insects to not bite or pose a threat to people. They do consume large amounts for sap from the phloem tissue causing the plant to look like it is bleeding. In addition, the sap that is consumed and then discarded can drip on lower leaves of the plant in the for of honeydew and can produce sooty mold. Note the ants on the stem searching out honeydew.

So, what can you do?

1. Locate Tree of Heaven and scout it once a week (video).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-je2sxVIXc&t=29s

2.  Load the Great Lakes Early Detection Network App on your Smart Phone (video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9lik8X-Fs

3. Scout and ID Spotted Lanternfly (video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2i3HTd_65M

4. Report findings to Ohio Department of Agriculture or report on GLEDN App

ODA Report Link (click on Report Infestation):

https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf

Together, we can Slow the Spread!

Earlier today, September 2, 2021, the Ohio Department of Agriculture announced a population of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has been found on the east side of Cleveland. The information in this alert is from the announcement that ODA distributed today.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was notified of the initial discovery by a tree care professional on August 26, 2021.

ODA Plant Pest inspectors confirmed living, adult SLF are in the area. An inspector with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), also confirmed a population of the SLF has been found at a secondary location, near the initial report.

A railroad line connects both locations.

ODA has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Grape Industries Committee to do visual surveys, insect trapping, and outreach in the region.

SLF is a great concern to the grape and wine industry. The insect is fond of grapevines, fruit trees, hops, blueberry, oak, pine, poplar, and walnut. Adult SLF are attracted to the invasive Ailanthus tree, also known as tree-of-heaven, while nymphs feed on a wide range of hosts. Both adults and nymphs feed on stems and leaves, causing sap bleeding and reduced photosynthesis, which can eventually kill the plant.

Now through November is the best time to spot the SLF because it is in its most recognizable stages as a colorful winged adult plant hopper. After hatching in the late spring, the SLF goes through four nymph stages. By midsummer, the nymph SLF can be identified by its red body, roughly a half-inch in size, with black stripes and white dots. During the late summer until roughly November, the SLF is in the adult stage. These adults are larger, roughly one inch in size, with black bodies and brightly colored wings.

The public is the first line of defense against the SLF. If you believe you have seen an SLF in your area, you can easily report a suspected infestation by going to ODA’s Spotted Lanternfly Information Page and filling out a suspected infestation report. You may also call the Plant Pest Control Division at 614-728-6400.

For more information about the spotted lanternfly and what you can do to help, please visit our website.

Additionally, any suspect reports can be made using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network App. If you have any questions about the App, contact Amy Stone at OSU Extension at stone.91@osu.edu