29 June 2021
Just a reminder that with Bug Season in full swing you may encounter this dangerously invasive pest, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) that sucks the sap out of grapes, fruit trees, oaks, black cherries and its favorite the invasive Ailanthus or Tree of heaven.
The spotted lanternfly is so dangerous to our crops and forests that Penn State Extension is tracking its movements in an effort to stop the spread. It arrived in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh in 2020 and in Westmoreland and Cambria Counties just this year.
Look around and you may see one crawling on stems, leaves, vines or trees. Keep in mind that for most of its life this bug cannot fly but it changes appearance as it matures.
In May and June it’s a tiny black bug with white spots, only 1/4 long, as shown here.
In July through September the black is overlaid with big blotches of red making it look like a red bug with black and white accents, photo at top.
In July you can find both forms on the same plant.
If you see this bug, say something. Report it online here or call 1-888-422-3359.
UPDATE, 5 November 2021: For the first time ever, I saw a spotted lanternfly in Schenley Park. It was in the SLF trap near the Bartlett tufa bridge.
(photos from Bugwood and Wikimedia Commons; click on the captions to see the originals)