The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has indicated that Spotted Lanternflies, technically referred to as Lycorma Delicatula, and commonly referred to as "SLF," have been detected in Connecticut. Established populations were detected in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, and single individuals have been confirmed in other towns in CT. The public can see a map of towns and cities in CT, including Norwalk, that have established Spotted Lanternfly populations here.
The CAES noted that a Spotted Lanternfly is a new plant pest in the United States that threatens Connecticut's environment, residential areas, and agricultural interests, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. They would like the public's help identifying, reporting and ultimately stopping the spread of Spotted Lanternflies.
What do Lanternflies look like?
According to the CAES, Adult Spotted Lanternflies are approximately one inch long by one-half inch wide. The bugs show tan forewings with black spots when their wings are closed. When their wings are open, the bugs show their signature colorful hindwings with lower red patches and upper black patches, separated by a white section. The bugs can crawl, jump and fly short distances. You can see the images below shared by the CAES.
Why is it so important to stop a Spotted Lanternfly invasion?
Spotted Lanternflies have the potential to severely impact Connecticut's agricultural crops, particularly apples, grapes, hops, and ornamental trees, according to the CAES. Their preferred host is Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as a Tree-of-Heaven, abundant along highways, urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas. Below are images of what an Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven, looks like, shared by the CAES, and what they look like when the Spotted Lanternflies are on them.
According to data from Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, approximately half of Connecticut's trees are threatened by Spotted Lanternfly invasions. As the exotic pest feeds on the sap from the trees and vines, the whole plant can weaken because it cannot produce photosynthesis as effectively. The excretions from these insects encourage the growth of black sooty mold, thereby reducing photosynthesis and could cause crops to have reduced yields.
What should citizens do if they see a Spotted Lanternfly?
If the public sees what they believe to be a Spotted Lanternfly, the CAES urges them to report them by snapping a picture and sending it using their reporting link, which can be found here. Additionally, if the public believes they see a Spotted Lanternfly, the CAES recommends they preserve it in a glass bottle or plastic bag for further observation by a CAES representative. If the public has questions or comments, they can direct them to the CAES by email at ReportSLF@ct.gov. All reports are confidential.
Homeowners, especially those moving, can learn additional information about what steps they can take if they see a Spotted Lanternfly here.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up