The Ohio Department of Agriculture continues to urge citizens to be on the lookout for the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect native to China, that is now spreading throughout the eastern U.S.
Several small populations have been found and treated in Cuyahoga county and Jefferson county, among a few others. Lake county has yet to have an infestation but that doesn’t mean they are absent.
This species has a unique life cycle in that they hatch in early summer from eggs, grow through several stages of flightless nymphs, to a final stage as an adult flying insect. Most individuals in late summer are now in the adult flying stage.
This species of red, black and white treehopper is a serious threat to Ohio’s native trees and crops and could have a significant impact on Ohio’s grape production and wine industry.
One way to help prevent spread is through removal of the invasive plant ‘Tree of Heaven’ from your yard, a host species for this insect, and by performing vehicle checks for egg masses when traveling from Pennsylvania or other east coast states. It is also important to become familiar with identification of tree-of-heaven so you can assist in surveys for the spotted lanternfly.
If you encounter this insect, attempt to capture them in a plastic zip-lock and/or squish them. Secondly, please take a picture, and call Mentor Natural Resources at (440) 974-5717 or contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control Section at (614) 728-6400 or plantpest@agri.ohio.gov.
