Got Nature? Blog

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a major pest of concern across most of the United States. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper native to China that was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. SLF feeds on over 70+ plant species including fruit, ornamental and woody trees with tree-of-heaven as its preferred host. Spotted lanternfly is a hitchhiker and can easily be moved long distances through human assisted movement.

Know the Primary Host: Tree -of-Heaven

Tree of heaven (TOH) is the preferred host for the spotted lanternfly (SLF).  The ability to identify TOH will be critical to monitoring the spread of this invasive pest as the 4th-stage nymphs and adult spotted lantern-flies show a strong preference for TOH.

Report a Sighting
If you suspect you’ve seen a spotted lanternfly, please take the following steps:

• Take a picture and note your location.
• If you can, collect a sample of the insect by catching it and placing it in a freezer. You can use any container available as long as it has a tight seal (like a water bottle) so that the spotted lanternfly can’t escape.
• Report your sighting through one of the following channels:
  Email: DEPP@dnr.in.gov
  Online: eddmaps.org or ReportINvasive
  Phone: 1-866-663-9684

Help Stop the Spread
Everyone can play a role in slowing the spread of spotted lanternfly:

• Inspect vehicles, trailers and outdoor equipment for spotted lanternfly eggs, nymphs, and adults before driving or moving to a new location.
• Avoid moving firewood, as it can transport SLF and other invasive pests.
• Stay informed by subscribing to trusted resources like the up to date with the latest newsletters: Purdue Landscape Report and Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Entomology & Plant Pathology Weekly Review E-newsletter.
• Follow updates and management tips on social media by connecting with ReportINvasive on Facebook (@reportINvasive) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which shared information acrossa Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@INdnrinvasive).

Spread Awareness
Share your spotted lanternfly knowledge with others! Share about SLF with neighbors, colleagues and your communit to help protect Indiana’s natural and agricultural resources.

Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!, Purde Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hatch is Here, Purdue Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana, Purdue Landscape Report
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue Extension – Entomology

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Purdue Landscape Report: Besides nursery inspections, our division assists with phytosanitary inspections in partnership with the USDA’s APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine staff. In my area, I assist mainly with log inspections and ensure the commodities are relatively pest-free before leaving the country or, if not, that they will be treated beforehand.

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Rooted in Research, USDA Forest Service: Non-native species are increasingly shaping forests across the eastern United States. While many introduced species coexist without major disruption, some become invasive: damaging ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and impacting the economic value forests provide. Over the past decade, the extent of forest land affected by invasive species has continued to grow, making management more complex and costly.

To address these challenges, the USDA Forest Service Research and Development team is hosting a six-part webinar series focused on invasive species in eastern forests. This series brings together leading scientists to share research-backed management strategies and explore the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species across the region.

These are virtual webinars that will be held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. Each webinar will be ~60 minutes and start at 2:00 PM Eastern time. All events are open to anyone interested in forest health, conservation and management!

Here is the schedule for the upcoming webinars:

1. May 5 – Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Extent, Impact, and Response
2. May 7 – Managing Invasive Plants: Understanding Rapid Adaptation and Strategies for Control 
3. May 12 – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Protecting Hemlocks with Silviculture and Biocontrol 
4. May 14 – Management Solutions for Emerald Ash Borer 
5. May 19 – Tracking Spongy Moth Defoliations and the Economics of Slowing the Spread 
6. May 21 – Emerging Threats: Asian Needle Ant and Beech Leaf Disease 

Participants must register for each webinar individually, visit to Research & Development Presents: Invasive Species in Eastern Forests learn more and sign up.

Forests play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, and contributing to local and regional economies. As invasive species continue to spread, understanding how to manage and mitigate their impacts is more important than ever. This webinar series provides an opportunity to learn directly from experts working at the forefront of forest research.

To subscribe to the newsletter, visit Sign Up for Rooted in Research.

Learn and read more about the research done by the USDA Forest Service by exploring the Northern Research Station and Southern Research Station.

More Resources
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
New Hope for Fighting Ash Borer, Got Nature? Purdue Extension-FNR
Invasive Pest Species: Tools for Staging and Managing EAB in the Urban Forest, Got Nature?
Emerald Ash Borer, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Emerald Ash Borer Tools & Resources – Purdue Extension Entomology

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Research & Development

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Purdue Landscape Report: We are often the bearers of bad news when a new exotic insect species is discovered in Indiana. This time, however, we have some good news to share. Agrilus smaragdifrons, a beetle that feeds exclusively on Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), was detected in Indiana last year in Allen County.

You might notice that this beetle belongs to the same genus as the infamous Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB). Indeed, the two species look quite similar, although there are subtle differences in their striking metallic coloration. While Emerald Ash Borer is a vibrant green from head to wing, A. smaragdifrons has a golden-red head and thorax with green to black-green wings (Fig. 1).

This beetle has been present in the United States for several years, with the earliest record dating back to 2011 from a photograph taken in New Jersey that was uploaded to BugGuide.net. Subsequent detections occurred in several neighboring eastern states, often as bycatch during Emerald Ash Borer surveys (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

The life cycle of A. smaragdifrons also shares many similarities with Emerald Ash Borer. Although its life cycle under North American conditions has not yet been formally described, Hoebeke et al. (2017) summarize the beetle’s biology in its native Asian range based on Chinese literature (Xu and Yang 2007).

Females lay eggs in bark crevices during mid- to late summer, and newly hatched larvae burrow into the tree. The larvae overwinter within galleries beneath the bark and resume feeding the following spring. Pupation occurs in early summer, around June, and adult mating flights take place from June through July. When adults emerge, they leave characteristic “D”-shaped exit holes in the bark (Fig. 2; Photograph by Patrick Perish, iNaturalist).

It is not yet known whether A. smaragdifrons will function as a biological control agent for Tree-of-Heaven. Additional research and field observations are needed to determine its impact on its host. However, reports from Beijing Forestry University indicate that attacks by A. smaragdifrons can lead to decline and eventual death of Tree-of-Heaven (Hoebeke et al. 2017).

Scientists with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University are interested in tracking the distribution of A. smaragdifrons across the state. The next time you encounter a Tree-of-Heaven, keep an eye out for the distinctive D-shaped exit holes. In late summer, you may also observe adults feeding on the leaves.

See something? Report it Identifying and Reporting Pests at just as you would any other invasive species!

Original article posted: Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Ask the Expert: Pests in Your Woods, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Report Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue Landscape Report
Invasive Species Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Purdue Plant Doctor, Purdue Extension
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Forestry & Natural Resources
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Alicia Kelley, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator
Purdue Extension – Entomology

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Purdue Extension has helped subdue invasive species ranging from kudzu and emerald ash borer to thousand canker disease and spongy moth. The work continues against new waves of invaders, such as tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly.

Aside from pushing out native species, spotted lanternfly presents an economic threat to Indiana’s forests, which annually provide $3.5 billion in value-added and $7.9 billion in value of shipments to Indiana’s economy (data from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources) and its commercial vineyards, which contribute $2.4 billion annually (data from the Indiana Wine Grape Council). Nationally, invasive species cost the U.S. an estimated $138 billion per year in damages, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Spotted lanternfly is an imminent risk to Monroe County. That’s largely because of the tree of heaven, which has established scattered populations throughout Indiana.

“The spotted lanternfly has arrived in Indiana, and the tree of heaven is its preferred food source,” says Ellen Jacquart, president of Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species. “Indeed, some recent research shows that spotted lanternflies may not be able to complete their metamorphosis into an adult if they don’t feed on the tree of heaven. So now we have this push to get rid of tree of heaven because the spotted lanternfly was just found two counties east of us.”

Jacquart has worked with Extension’s Robert Bruner, exotic forest pest specialist, and Lenny Farlee, sustaining hardwood specialist, to combat the pest and other invasives.

“Bob Bruner and his updates on spotted lanternfly have been awesome,” Jacquart says. “Lenny has become one of the highlight speakers at many of the invasive species conferences that I go to because he is so good at explaining control techniques. He brings in a lot of experience and knowledge, whether you’re working at the scale of a small yard or 40 acres.”

The Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project (FPOSP) — a joint effort between Purdue Extension Entomology and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — has long addressed the growing problem of exotic pests through detection, education and reporting. FPOSP’s outreach includes educational and professional development programming. The project also seeks to create a group of citizen scientists motivated to help report and manage invasive species.

Bruner expanded this effort in 2023 by launching a series of live webinars called ReportINvasive. He also began providing in-person presentations at events such as the Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Invasive Species Conference and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas meetings.

The bulk of invasive plant work in forestry involves herbicide applications to control the intruders, says Philip Marshall, forest health specialist at the Indiana DNR. Extension specialists are among the speakers at the annual Forest Pesticide Training Program, which provides approved continuing education credits from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Extension presenters regularly share best practices and research with attendees, who often engage in invasive species management in various capacities.

“I rely on Purdue and the Extension people for technical expertise.” – Philip Marshall, forest health specialist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Marshall cites the value of the training program, as well as the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab, which helps county extension educators and other Indiana stakeholders identify invasive species and other plant and pest problems. An insect, a virus, a fungus or a plant can become an invasive pest or pathogen.

Marshall, Farlee and other experts from Purdue, Indiana DNR and elsewhere spoke in September at the 2025 Indiana Invasive Species Conference. Hosted by Extension and the Indiana Invasive Species Council, the conference catered to scientists, researchers, landscapers, landowners and concerned citizens alike.

Henry Quesada, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader, delivered the keynote address. His topic: Ecological, social and economic consequences of invasive species on forests and forest products, the same reasons that drive Extension’s work forward.

To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Extension website view: Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species.

Purdue University Extension

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Purdue Extension is proud to share the 2025 Impact Report, a showcase of the people, programs, and partnerships driving stronger, more resilient communities across Indiana. This year’s report highlights how research from Purdue’s College of Agriculture is being put into action, from addressing the spread of tar spot in corn, to monitoring invasive species, to supporting farmers navigating concerns around Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Here is a quick snapshot of the great articles and information you will find:

• Saving One of Indiana’s Top Crops From Tar Spots
• 4-H Tech Changemakers Lead the Way in AI
• Teaching Small Steps to Achieve Healthier Lives
• Strengthening Financial Security Through Tax Preparation and Education
• Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species
  Highlighting Lenny Farlee, Extension forester, and Henry Quesada, professor and assistant director of Extension. Check out all of our FNR resources listed below. 
• Supporting Childcare Providers to Create Stronger Communities
• Emergency Preparedness and Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu
• Making the Best Better: Strengthening Teen Leadership Skills
• Check out program impacts

Explore the full report to see how Extension is making a difference statewide and beyond: Purdue Extension Impact Report 2025.

Resources:
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Burning Bush, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Callery Pear, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Multiflora Rose, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 1: Invasive Plant Species Identification
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
1-866 No EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)
depp@dnr.IN.gov – Email Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Community Development, Purdue Extension

Purdue Extension

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Purdue Landscape Report: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been the subject of a lot of media attention in the last few years.  In the east, states like Pennsylvania and New York have been dealing with heavy infestations since the insect was first detected in 2014.  In Indiana, this invasive planthopper arrived three years ago, infesting two counties on the eastern side of the state.  Since then, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University have been working together to mitigate the spread of this insect as well as educate Hoosiers on what they can do to help.  Spotted lanternfly is still on the move, and this update will help refresh you on how this bug works, and where they are headed.

Life cycle
Spotted lanternfly is an annual insect, having only a single generation in a year under normal conditions.  The insect goes through incomplete metamorphosis; immature stages, called nymphs, resemble smaller, wingless versions of the adults.  Nymphs will begin to appear in April or May, developing through four instars, until they reach adulthood in late summer.  With each instar, the period in between molting, the nymph will grow larger, develop wingpads, and eventually change color.  Early instars are black with a white dot pattern, while later instars will be bright red with black and white patterning (Fig. 1).  Late instar nymphs are often compared to milkweed bugs or lady beetles.  Once they complete development in the late summer or early fall, they will mate and lay egg masses covered in a protective substance that makes them resemble mud.  Eggs masses will overwinter until the spring, while adult insects will die as temperatures cool.  In Indiana, depending on temperature, adults can be seen as late as early November.

Impact
Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect, using syringe-like mouthparts to drain nutrients directly from plant tissues.  Like other sap-feeding insects, the activity of SLF wounds the plant, creating openings for various pathogens to exploit.  Feeding by SLF has been shown to reduce overall health of their hosts, reducing their capacity to survive overwintering, and potentially kill the host plant depending on species.  They also produce a sugary waste known as honeydew; while honeydew itself is not harmful, it acts as a growing substrate for sooty mold, which can have a serious impact the photosynthesis of understory foliage as well as attract other nuisance insects.

Spotted lanternfly is a generalist herbivore and can feed on over 100 different species of plant and tree in Indiana.  However, this insect has shown strong preference towards certain species, often with devastating consequences.  The most preferred host is tree-of-heaven, an invasive tree species in North America.  Tree-of-heaven is the primary host of SLF in their shared native range, and the insect appears to experience high reproductive success on it even when they share a new environment.  Grapes are also highly preferred by SLF, and infestations will typically result in overfeeding and the death of the plant.  Black Walnut, American river birch, and various maple species are also at risk of severe damage from this insect.   Evidence has also suggested that maple, when used for syrup production, will experience reductions in yield and quality when attack by spotted lanternfly.

Where are they now?
Spotted lanternfly has been present in Indiana since 2021, first arriving in Huntington and Switzerland Counties.  In Huntington, the infestation occupies a stand of tree-of-heaven next to an industrial parking lot.  Tree-of-heaven moved into the neighboring residential area, allowing SLF to also spread with it. The more rural infestation in Switzerland County was traced to a vehicle transported from Pennsylvania, and the insect has taken advantage of patches of tree-of-heaven in nearby wooded areas.  While both infestations have strongly associated with the insect’s primary host, there is some evidence that SLF is beginning to take advantage of other nearby plants, such as maple.  In the last year, SLF moved a significant distance and has been detected in several more counties, including Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Allen, Dekalb, and Noble Counties.  Most of the activity has been found on tree-of-heaven along rail lines, supporting the idea that the insect is dispersed by rail traffic moving westward out of infested areas.

It’s important to remember that trains aren’t the only vehicles that can have SLF passengers.  These insects, and their egg masses, can be found on just about any surface, including the car you drive to work, the RV you used for recreation, semi-trucks that cross the country, and more.  Purdue Entomology and Indiana DNR are encouraging everyone to inspect their vehicles when traveling through any of the infested areas.  Also check all recreational vehicles and trailers for spotted lanternfly egg masses; if found, scrape them off into a bag or bucket filled with soapy water.  This fall and winter, we also want to encourage everyone to please burn any firewood where you buy it, and please don’t move it off your property if you chop it yourself- especially if you are burning tree of heaven.  Egg masses will stick to firewood and can survive our winters very well.

What can I do?
We are still learning about the spotted lanternfly’s distribution through Indiana, and we need the help of citizen scientists to effectively track the insect’s movement.  If you believe you’ve seen spotted lanternfly, please report it using any of the resources listed below.  You can also feel free to reach out to Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator, by emailing them at rfbruner@purdue.edu, or you can report sightings by calling 1-866-NOEXOTIC.

Original article posted: Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Spotted Lanternfly Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana, Indiana Woodland Steward
Spotted Lanternfly Feeds on Over 70 Plus Plant Species, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Spotted Lanternfly – includes map with locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!, Purde Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hatch is Here, Purdue Landscape Report
Report Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue College of Agriculture Invasive Species

Other Resources Available:
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report Invasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
ReportINvasive, Purdue Report Invasive Facebook posts include webinars and workshops

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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As the crisp autumn air settles in and campfires become a seasonal staple, October brings an important reminder: your firewood choices matter. That’s why October is officially Firewood Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the risks of moving firewood and the spread of invasive forest pests.

Why “Don’t Move Firewood” Matters
Transporting firewood, even just a few miles, can unintentionally spread destructive pests like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle and spongy moth. These invaders often hide inside or on firewood, threatening Indiana’s forests, parks and urban trees.

The Don’t Move Firewood website offers excellent resources to help you make informed choices. Whether you’re heating a cabin, heading out to hunt, or planning a backyard bonfire, they recommend:

• Buying firewood where you’ll burn it
• Choosing certified heat-treated wood
• Gathering wood on-site when permitted

You can also explore their Firewood Month Toolkit, maps of regulations and a webinar series designed for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

While October is Firewood Month, the risk of spreading invasive pests lasts well beyond the fall. Many forest pests remain a threat throughout the year. Adults may still be visible until the first hard freeze, and egg masses can be observed from now through June. The spotted lanternfly females lay egg masses in late summer through early winter, often peaking in October. These masses can survive through winter and hatch in the spring. Learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This is why it’s important to practice safe firewood habits year-round.

Spotlight on ReportINvasive
Check out the latest post on the ReportINvasive Facebook which reinforces the importance of Firewood Month. ReportINvasive is a trusted source for updates on invasive species in Indiana, and their social media outreach is a great way to stay informed and engaged. Give the Facebook page a LIKE and FOLLOW for future webinars and workshops.

Concerned About Insects? Purdue Extension Entomology Can Help
If you suspect insect damage or want to learn more about forest pests, the Purdue Extension Entomology team is an outstanding resource. Their experts provide science-based guidance on insect identification, management strategies, and outreach materials to help protect Indiana’s ecosystems.

Let’s work together to keep Indiana’s forests healthy and resilient. This October, make the smart choice—don’t move firewood!

More Resources
Spotted Lanternfly – including map sharing locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
October is Firewood Awareness Month!, Purdue Landscape Report
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Entomology Weekly Review, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: It’s that time again!  With the arrival of warm temperatures and increased rainfall, many of us are getting to work on our lawns, gardens, and landscaping.  Unfortunately, this often comes with discovering what new (or old) invasive species are here to haunt us.  So far this year, the invasive I’ve gotten the most questions on is the Asian jumping worm.  This earthworm’s life cycle tends to experience ‘boom & bust’ years due to their feeding habits, and, anecdotally speaking, we appear to be experiencing an increase in their populations throughout the state this season.  Now is a great time to brush up on our understanding of this organism, and the revisit how it impacts our environment.

Identification
While Asian jumping worms share a lot of traits with other, less harmful earthworm species, they do have some features we can use to differentiate them from the rest.  Jumping worms tend to be darker in color, since they live either on top of the soil or just under the first layer of plant detritus and get more exposure to sunlight.  Asian jumping worms also have a significantly higher number of bristles, or setae, that they can use to move around.  They can have as many as forty bristles per segment, in contrast to the eight found on other species, giving them the traction they need to wriggle and squirm as violently as they do.  Perhaps the easiest feature we can use to identify them is the clitellum, the organ that contains they reproductive organs.  On Asian jumping worms, the clitellum just looks like a very pale set of segments close to the anterior end of the worm, whereas on most other worms, it’s about midway down the body and saddle-shaped.  Finally, we can detect their presence by changes in our soil.  Asian jumping will not improve soil quality for growing like other earthworms can, but rather change the soil consistency into something like coffee grounds, rendering it unsuitable for growing most crops and ornamentals.

Environmental Impact
As I alluded to above, Asian jumping worms do significant damage to soil quality when left unmanaged.  These earthworms, unlike their beneficial cousins, do not provide ecosystems services like soil aeration or castings that help add nutrients to the soil.  Since they live at the surface, they do not burrow, and their castings lock in nutrients and often get swept away by hydrological events.  Asian jumping worms also tend to gather in large groups whenever they infest an area, resulting in most of the decaying plant material and other organic material being stripped out of the soil.  Often, the only plants capable of developing in those conditions are invasive themselves!

Reporting
We are still learning about the Asian jumping worms spread in Indiana, so we are asking everyone to please report sightings.  You can report them either online by going to the EDDMapS website or you can call 1-866-NOEXOTIC.  We ask that you take a picture and tell us where you were when you saw the worms. You can also check the Report Invasive webpage for up-to-date information on all kinds of invasive species, or reach out to Bob Bruner, Purdue University Exotic Forest Pest Educator, by emailing rfbruner@purdue.edu.  With your help, we can map out this worm and create effective plans to limit its presence in our state.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Asian Jumping Worms: How to ID this soil pest.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Gardeners Asked to be Vigilant This Spring for Invasive Jumping Worm, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Fall webworms: Should you manage them?, Purdue Landscape Report
Mimosa Webworm, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Sod Webworms, Turf Science at Purdue University
Bagworm caterpillars are out feeding, be ready to spray your trees, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Landscape & Ornamentals: Bagworms, The Education Store
Purdue Plant Doctor App Suite, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Find an Arborist website, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue FNR web page list
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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Purdue Landscape Report: Recently, there has been an uptick in questions related to one of Indiana’s most notorious invasive pests: the emerald ash borer.  Homeowners, businesses, even professionals have asked if ash trees are still present in Indiana, and if the insect is still a threat to our ecosystem.  Emerald ash borer wreaked significant havoc among Indiana’s hardwoods, and a person could be forgiven for believing that there are no ash trees at all in our state, but this is simply not true.  Ash still survives in Indiana and can be found both as ornamental plantings and in untended woodlots; unfortunately, emerald ash borer is also still present and just as deadly to them as ever.  The question of protecting ash versus removal them is complex, but entomologists and tree specialists have learned from this insect’s invasion.

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), a wood-boring insect native to Asia, is responsible for decimating ash (Fraxinus spp.) throughout the United States and elsewhere.  In Indiana, this insect’s presence was confirmed in 2004, though it had probably been in the state for some time before then.  Since its arrival, Hoosiers have been forced to watch as ash trees have rapidly declined and died due to the insect’s feeding and life cycle.  The insect lays its eggs in crevices in the bark of an ash that is 8 to 10 years old, and after hatching, the new larvae begin to bore through the tree’s cambium tissue. The tree relies on its cambium tissue to transport water and nutrients and supply cells for new growth.  Often, the only signs of the insect’s presence are a reduction in canopy coverage and D-shaped exit holes in the bark, indicating adult emergence.  As time goes on, however, the tree will continue to lose canopy, experience limb death, and often have large chunks of bark detach. Unprotected trees will typically die within 2 to 5 years of infestation.  Dead and dying ash trees represent a serious hazard to health and property as infestation will leave them extremely brittle. Brittle ash will often fall during weather events or even collapse over time as limbs fall off.

While emerald ash borer did significant damage to ash tree populations in Indiana, they did not destroy the population entirely.  While virtually all untreated trees will eventually become infested, saplings with a trunk diameter of ½ to 1 inch will remain untouched, allowing annual replacement of trees to continue.  Since the initial invasion killed so many trees, the borer’s populations have been proportionally reduced as well due to a lack of a food source.  This combination of factors has created a cycle of growth and infestation that allows both populations to survive, but at significantly lower levels as compared to the period of the initial infestation.  Unfortunately, this also means that emerald ash borer is now a permanent fixture in the hardwood ecosystem in Indiana.

While many may believe ash trees are a total loss, there are still options to protect ash tree and even rescue ash that have already been infested.  The first step in this process is to determine the extent of damage in a given tree.  As the cambium tissue is consume by ash borer larvae, the tree will experience a steady loss of canopy and limb death.  The proportion of lost canopy makes a great indicator for treatment viability.  For example, a tree that has only lost 10% of its canopy will normally respond well to treatment.  As more canopy is lost, recovery is more challenging, until the tree has lost %30 of canopy coverage.  After that point, there is very little chance that a rescue treatment will be successful, and removal will most likely be necessary.  It is also important to remember that limb death may occur; these limbs will not recover and will need to be removed to avoid any potential hazards.

There are several insecticides with varying ranges of efficacy that can be used to manage emerald ash borer.  These include imidacloprid, dinotefuran, azadirachtin, and emamectin benzoate. Several studies have been conducted to find the best combination of chemical and application type, such as the difference between using a soil drench compared to a trunk injection. While all of the above chemicals can be effective against the insect, the combination of emamectin benzoate applied through a trunk injection offers the best, longest lasting protection from infestation.  This combination has a durable effect lasting for two years under dense infestations.  However, the reduction in emerald ash borer populations have spread the distribution of the insect thinner, and longer intervals between treatments are possible.  A ten-year study conducted by Purdue University demonstrated that treating trees once every three years provided sufficient protection from the beetles, while also showing that 4 to 5 years after last treatment coincided with an increase in damage to the trees.  This same study also found that by six years post-treatment, the trees would decline to the point of making removal a necessity.  This research concluded that increasing time between intervals after three years increased the risk of catastrophic damage due to emerald ash borer activity, thus the recommendation for three-year intervals.

Ultimately, many will see this as a financial issue: the cost of treatment over time against the cost of removal to avoid potential damages.  The above study estimated the cost of treating a single tree with an emamectin benzoate injection at $300 per treatment. Since treatment only needs to happen once every three years, the cost per year per tree would be $100, approximately.  Tree removal was estimated between $1800 and $3600, depending on tree location and other factors.  Also consider replacement costs if you wanted to continue to grow ash in that area, and how long the tree would need to grow to match the size of the tree you just replaced.  Additionally, add in any treatment costs to make sure it survives infestation.  When looked at from this angle, maintaining regular treatment on rescuable trees would appear to be the most cost-effective route for managing ash.  Any treatment plan should be discussed with a professional, such as a certified arborist.

Read the original article posted in the Purdue Landscape Report April 2025 Newsletter: Revisiting Ash Tree Protection.

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Resources:
New Hope for Fighting Ash Borer, Got Nature? Purdue Extension-FNR
Invasive Pest Species: Tools for Staging and Managing EAB in the Urban Forest, Got Nature?
Emerald Ash Borer, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Emerald Ash Borer Tools & Resources – Purdue Extension Entomology
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Indiana Invasive Plant List, Indiana Invasive Species Council, Purdue Entomology
Landscape Report Shares Importance of Soil Testing, Purdue FNR Extension
Find an Arborist website, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

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