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Spotted Lanternfly
UPDATED:
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Illinois. Following a report of a live adult on Sept. 16, state, federal, and local officials coordinated a site visit near the area of the report and identified a moderately populated area of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Sept. 18. Specimens were collected and submitted for identification, and confirmatory results were received on September 26. The spotted lanternfly does not present any human or animal health concerns.
Press Release issued 9/26/23:
- https://agr.illinois.gov/news/press-release.27063.html
U of I Spotted Lanternfly Fact Sheets:
- go.illinois.edu/SpottedLanternfly
- En español: go.illinois.edu/MoscaLinternaconManchas
Morton Arboretum Fact Link:
- https://mortonarb.org/blog/dont-panic-about-spotted-lanternfly/
What can you do to help?
- Report sightings - If you see SLF or suspect it, report it to lanternfly@illinois.edu. A fact sheet, including photos, is available through the University of Illinois Extension.
- Remove and destroy pests - crush nymphs and adults, scrape egg masses into a container with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Remember to take photos first, and report this!
- Check your vehicles, boat, camper, outdoor articles, etc. - Before leaving an area, do a quick inspection for any life stages. Destroy any eggs or insects found.
- Keep your eyes open and spread the word (not the pest) - We need the public's help to look for and report this pest, and to also strengthen the outreach about it. It will likely impact everyone in Illinois one way or another, so the more awareness we have the better.
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. If allowed to spread in the United States, this pest could seriously impact the country's grape, orchard, and logging industries.
For more details please visit the following links;
https://ilpestsurvey.inhs.illinois.edu/pest-information/most-unwanted/