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