Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia


A potentially very serious pest of grapes, peaches, hops, and a variety of other crops, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, was detected in Frederick County, Virginia, on Jan. 10, 2018.

It is important to look for it and report any finds.

The spotted lanternfly has also been reported on a range of ornamentals around the home and in the landscape; in high numbers, the insect can become a nuisance pest to homeowners.
   

Spotted Lanternfly immatures

Early, immature stages of the spotted lanternfly are wingless and black and have white spots that develop to red patches.

Clockwise from top left: Adult showing hind wings, adult with folded wings, early black and white nymphs. full grown nymphs showing red, and egg masses.

Spotted Lanternfly egg masses

SLF egg masses are 1-1.5" long and ½-¾" wide, shiny and grayish-brown in color when fresh. They weather to a flat gray-brown color with age.

Are you a Virginia resident and have found a Spotted Lanternfly?

If you are in a location under quarantine or with a know infestation:

  •  Your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office can also assist you with information on how to manage Spotted Lanternfly on your property, how to obtain a Spotted Lanternfly permit for your business, or how to recognize Spotted Lanternfly or its favored host tree, Ailanthus (also known as tree-of-Heaven). Find your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office on this webpage.

If you are in a location not under quarantine, without a known infestation, or you’re just not sure:

Identification

Biology

Control

Quarantine Information

County Resources for spotted lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly Training

This training is required in order to receive a Spotted Lanternfly Permit to move regulated materials out of the quarantine area.

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