LANSING, MI – The state of Michigan is asking residents to be on the lookout for an invasive species that could damage or kill more than 70 different crops and plants in the state.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the spotted lanternfly could be the next invasive species to threaten Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. The lanternfly could negatively affect a wide variety of plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.
So far, the species has not been detected in Michigan, the DNR said in a June 23 news release. However, it is “spreading rapidly” across the country. It was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania. To date, infestations have been found in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting the spread of spotted lanternfly,” said Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The spotted lanternfly damages trees, crops and plants by sucking sap and secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black, sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. Additionally, the honeydew often attracts other pests, especially hornets, wasps and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests.
While the spotted lanternfly cannot fly long distances, it will lay eggs on nearly any surface, Miller said. That includes cars, trailers, firewood and outdoor furniture.
Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations.Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.
“Before leaving an area where a quarantine is present, check vehicles, firewood and outdoor equipment for unwanted hitchhikers,” he said.
Spotted lanternfly egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly nymphs are wingless, beetle-like and black with white spots, developing red patches as they mature. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.
Spotted lanternflies go through several phases, first resembling spotted beetles before morphing into their adult form.Photo courtesy of Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences
If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or phone at 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.
For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.