The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper species, native to southern Asia. It was first identified in Berks County, PA, in September 2014, but has relentlessly spread. Sadly, it has now been spotted in Glen Ridge. And it poses a great threat to both trees and other important plants. The information in this issue of GreenFlash was originally published in the August 2019 issue.
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Now You See It, Now You Don't... |
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Despite being known for its colorful aspects, this insect goes through several phases and can be deceptively hard to spot. The non-flying nymphs that emerge in the spring start out black with white spots and soon turn red with white spots and black bands. As colorful as they become, however, they are very small, never growing larger than one-half inch.
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The adults that emerge in mid-July are much bigger, one inch long and one-half inch wide. They, too, are colorful, with patches of red on their hind wings and yellow on their abdomens. However, the adults rarely fly, so it is the relatively unobtrusive gray and black forewings which are generally observable.
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...But When You Do, Death and Goo |
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Because they have no natural predators and can, therefore, proliferate at an astonishing rate, lanternflies eventually do call attention to themselves by swarming a single plant or tree. Both the nymphs and the adults suck the life juices out of their host, so the harm they cause becomes readily apparent as well:
- oozing wounds of sap
- wilting
- leaf curl
- dieback
- often death
These insects also excrete a sticky honeydew, which becomes a breeding ground for sooty mold. This goo is often so extensive that it coats decks, lawn chairs, patios, and play equipment, making outdoor leisure impossible.
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Unfortunately, lanternflies are not picky eaters. Although they are principally attracted to another highly invasive Asian species, Ailanthus trees (tree of heaven), they will eat whatever you have, showing a predilection for over 70 varieties of vegetables, herbs, vines, and trees. The latter include:
- apple
- plum
- maple
- oak
- black gum
- sycamore
- basswood (linden)
- dogwood
- American beech
- willow
- paper birch
- tulip poplar
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Join the Fight to Beat the Bug! |
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If left unstopped, it is estimated that the lanternflies could do billions of dollars worth of damage in NJ alone. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture asks all of us to be on the alert for this pest. And when you see one, squish it! At this time of year, adult lanternflies are busy depositing egg sacks on smooth-barked trees, stones, buildings, planters, cars, lawn furniture, machinery, and even bikes and scooters. While they may look like mere smears of mud, each sack contains 30 to 50 eggs.
Egg masses can be scraped off, double bagged, and thrown away. They can also be destroyed -- after removal -- with hand sanitizer, bleach, or alcohol. Foliar pesticides have proved effective -- particularly when injected into the roots. However, that should be done by a professional in late spring or early summer.
If you see lanternflies or their egg masses, you are also asked to contact the Dept. of Agriculture's special hotline number 833-BAD-BUG-0 (833-223-2840 or email SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.
For more information go to:
nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/spottedlanternfly.html
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The Shade Tree Commission wants to be your resource on all things "trees." If you have concerns, questions or issues, do not hesitate to contact us at shadetree@glenridgenj.org |
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Elizabeth Baker, Chair
Larry Stauffer
Joan Lisovicz
Robert Baum
Tina Seaboch
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