Why Are We Managing Spotted Lanternfly?

Spotted Lanternfly: An Invasive Pest in the Eastern U.S.

Spotted Lanternfly, or Lycorma delicatula, first appeared in North America in 2014, when the winged planthopper (not technically a fly) was identified in southeastern Pennsylvania. As an invasive species, Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) entered a habitat where it had no natural predators and began wreaking havoc.

Northeastern U.S. residents have begun to recognize swarms of adult SLF in their communities or become familiar with gray SLF egg masses popping up on various structures. SLF nymphs and adults feed on a variety landscape and garden plants, as there is no way to stop SLF from entering a property.

SLF are little more than a nuisance to those who encounter the insects in their everyday lives, but grape growers are feeling the effects of SLF more heavily than most. Though SLF can feed on more than 65 plant species, they have a particular affinity for infesting vineyards to feed on sap from grapevines.

During the first couple of growing seasons they appear in a vineyard, SLF may not inflict much damage, but they may eventually injure grapevines, making vines less resistant to droughts, harsh winters, or other common pests and diseases. Weaker, damaged grapevines lead to lower grape yields and, in some devastating cases, loss of the vines it took years to cultivate.

SLF Management Options

Because SLF is a fairly new pest to the U.S., grape growers and researchers have been teaming up to test options for managing the invasive species and sharing their findings on StopSLF.org.

Research from the Stop SLF team has resulted in some successful chemical control methods, but many viticulturists seek to minimize the amount of pesticides sprayed on their crops, especially as the time draws near to harvest the grapes for winemaking.

Our scientific research team believes there are potential biological (non-pesticide) methods to manage SLF, including exploring solutions that involve its preferred host and another invasive species Tree of Heaven, or Ailanthus altissima.

Though stopping SLF may not be immediately possible, our goal is to reduce the impacts of SLF across the United States and prepare grape growers with biological management methods that work for them and their vineyards.

Learn about our project objectives and our research findings thus far.

Evidence-Based Extension Guide

For an extensive, research-based guide on how to handle this pest in your own landscape, visit the Penn State University Extension Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide.