The spotted laternfly, a scourge to trees in its native Asia, has been spotted in Pennsylvania attacking the willow, maple, aspen and tulip poplar. With a large enough infestation, the lanternfly is known to stress and ultimately kill trees, according to science publication Phys.org.
The insect pierces the woody parts of its victims with its mouthparts and feeds. The wounds weep with sap and can attract other insects or provide for fungal growth. A large enough infestation can stress or kill the plant, the article said.
Scientists know that the lantern fly attacked 65 tree species in Korea, 25 of which exist in Pennsylvania.
"Because this insect is so new to the United States and Pennsylvania, we don't know yet what kind of impact it might have if it becomes established," Greg Hoover, ornamental extension entomologist in the Department of Entomology at Penn State, told Phys.org.
Hoover and his team at Penn State hope to contain and eradicate the insect before it spreads to other parts of the state and country. The state Department of Agriculture has imposed a quarantine covering five townships and two boroughs in eastern Berks County that limits the movement of various plants, plant-based materials and outdoor household items. The Phsy.org article also shared recommendations for growers and homeowners in or near the Berks County area for dealing with the insect:
- If you see eggs, scrape them off the surface and place them in a tightly sealed container with 70 percent rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.
- Likewise, if you collect an adult or nymph, place the specimen in 70 percent rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer in a leak-proof container. Never take a live specimen of the spotted lanternfly from the area under quarantine.
- Complete the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Entomology Program Sample Submission Form and send the adult/nymph specimen or egg mass to the department's entomology lab for verification at the following address: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Entomology Room-111, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
- To report a sighting, call the toll-free Bad Bug hotline at (866) 253-7189 with details of the sighting and your contact information or send an email to [email protected].
