Volunteer to Spot the Spotted Lanternfly

March 05, 2021
Brent Boscarino

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Volunteer to Spot the Spotted Lanternfly
LF-spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) winged adult 4th instar nymph (red body) in Pennsylvania, on July 20, 2018. USDA-ARS Photo by Stephen Ausmus.

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Has all this snow and indoor time left you feeling a little buggy?

Well, it's time to put that "bugginess" to good use, get outdoors, and join our all-new Invasives Strike Force Survey volunteer program: Spot the Spotted Lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper insect that arrived in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since expanded its range to include portions of New Jersey and most recently New York State. SLF feeds on over 70 different species of plants, including some of our most iconic native trees and economically important agronomic crops such as hops, grapes, and apple trees. Enjoy picnicking with your family in our region's parks? The sticky residue that SLF swarms leave behind leads to black sooty mold build-up on leaves and park surfaces driving families away from infested areas that were once treasured landmarks. 

As a community, we have the power to stop the spread of SLF and avoid a similar fate in our region's natural areas and properties if we band together. Early detection of this pest is key! 

Please join our efforts to Spot the Spotted Lanternfly by attending one of two upcoming training workshops:

In the workshop, you will learn how to identify and report SLF egg masses as well as learn some winter host tree ID tips: a great skill to develop even for our more experienced ISF surveyors! Following the training, you will receive a specific assignment to survey for spotted lanternflies surrounding a parking area and/or trailhead that is convenient to your home or near a trail you've been wanting to explore. Your immediate help is needed before these egg masses can hatch in mid-April! 

Register for a workshop today!