New Invasive Insect Headed Our Way
Spotted Lanternfly Not Far from Warren County, PA
What is it & why does it matter?
The Spotted Lanternfly or SLF, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper native to Asia fist discovered in PA in Berks County in 2014.
SLF feeds on sap from a myriad of plants but has a strong preference for plants important to PA’s economy including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch and willow. SLF’s feeding damage stresses plants which can decrease their heal and in some cases cause death.
It’s not just our plants at risk, it’s our economy.
THE SLF CAN IMPACT THE VITICULTURE (GRAPE), FRUIT TREE, PLANT NURSERY AND TIMBER INDUSTRIES, WHICH CONTRIBUTE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR TO PA’S ECONOMY.
A 2019 economic impact study estimates that, uncontrolled, this insect could cost the state $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs.
2021 PA Quarantine Map:
Learn More at These Links:
The official press release can be viewed here.
More information on SLF can be found on the Dept. of Ag webpage Spotted Lanternfly (pa.gov)
A social media toolkit on SLF can be found here Spotted_Lanternfly_2021Toolkit_Final.pdf (pa.gov). This includes facts, picture, and social media posts.
Additional resources and graphics can be found here Resources & Documents (pa.gov)
Please share this email with your colleagues, friends, constituents, and members. Lets continue to be proactive and vigilant in our efforts to control and prevent the spread of SLF.
Remember to report any SLF adult, nymph, or egg mass siting to the Penn State Extension SLF webpage