Home » Species » Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Adult spotted lanternfly. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org 

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) threatens fruit crops like grapes, peaches, and hops. It also threatens numerous tree species, such as pine, walnut, maple, and oak.  However, its preferred host is another invasive species: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). SLF is an insect native to East Asia. In 2016, it was discovered in southeast Pennsylvania. It was confirmed in Virginia in January 2018. If you think you have found SLF, collect a specimen or take photos and notify Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Report Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia if you are not currently in a quarantine area (see a quarantine map>>):

• if you have a specimen or photograph, contact your local Cooperative Extension office here >>

Virginia Cooperative Extention Spotted Lanternfly Web Portal >> and Fact Sheet >>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult SLF with wings folded. Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLF nymph stage with red patches and white spots. Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLF early nymph stage with white spots only. Red patches develop in a later stage. Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org