Spotted Lanternfly

spotted lanternfly
An adult spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) introduction is not yet know in Wisconsin, but when they arrive they will infest hardwood forests and have the potential to effect grape vineyards and fruit orchards as they attack the trunks and drain energy from the plants. More about the threat of SLF and how to ID them can be found on the UW Extension Horticulture SLF page.

Tree-of-heaven used to monitor spotted lanternfly:

Join your fellow community scientists with the Wisconsin First Detector Network (WIFDN) as we use the invasive tree-of-heaven (TOH) to monitor for spotted lantern fly (SLF). TOH poses a threat to our ecology in Wisconsin as it grows rapidly, spreads clonally underground, and can quickly smother native vegetation. Find out more about this plant and how to ID with our 1 page factsheet.

SLF is from the same part of the world as TOH, and prefers it as a host for sapsucking and laying eggs. However, SLF readily switches hosts to native and horticultutral plants and can cause damage to the orchard industry.

WIFDN has created a map that shows the locations of every reported TOH in Wisconsin, which can be found in Google Maps here. As locations are checked, we will change the color of the dot on the map so we can see what has already been visited. Visits to these TOH sites can be submitted as re-visits at EDDMaPS.org using the object ID# to find and update the existing report or via filling out this form. Ideal timing is August and September as this is when it is easiest to detect adult SLF.

The Object ID can be found in the upper right corner of each point on Google Maps and links to the specific EDDMapS.org report page.

Community Science Protocol for detection of SLF on TOH:

Presence/absence of SLF on TOH sites can be recorded in two ways:

  • Go to www.EDDMapS.org
    • Search for TOH site by entering object ID# from the google map in the “maps” tab
    • Click revisit on the top of the reporting form
    • Click if TOH is present or eradicated and add pictures
    • Enter “TOH for SLF” in the comments at the bottom and mention if SLF is present
  • Go to our Google Form and fill out requested information:
    • Date of visit
    • TOH site object ID# from the Google Map
    • TOH present or absent
    • SLF present or absent.
    • Nearest City/Town/Village

IMPORTANT: If you DO find a SLF, alive or dead, take notes of location, pictures, and videos and submit them to the state at: SLF.WI.GOV

What is Spotted Lanternfly?

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect that is spreading throughout the eastern United States. It is a type of planthopper that uses piercing-sucking moutparts to feed on sap from a wide variety of plant species including grapes, maples, and walnuts. It can damage trees from feeding on them (or even kill young trees) and can also promote the growth of sooty mold (a type of fungi) which can kill plants below the tree and cover any items below the tree. Spotted lanternfly is moving westward, though it has not yet been found in Wisconsin.

Because spotted lanternfly has not yet been found in Wisconsin, there are two monitoring options that will help us detect this pest when it arrives. The first is to map locations of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree that is spotted lanternfly’s preferred host. The second option is to look for spotted lanternfly throughout the growing season.

Overview of spotted lanternfly from Wisconsin DATCP
Identification and Impacts of Spotted Lanternfly from UW Insect Diagnostic Lab

Spotted Lanternfly Monitoring with WIFDN

Tree-of-Heaven Mapping

Tree-of-heaven is an invasive tree that is the primary host for spotted lanternfly. One key step in monitoring for spotted lanternfly is to get an accurate map of tree-of-heaven locations in Wisconsin because it is likely that when spotted lanternfly arrives, we will see it on tree-of-heaven. We have fewer than 50 confirmed locations of tree-of-heaven in the state, though we know there are many, many more! We are also trying to learn how far north tree-of-heaven can survive in Wisconsin.

Identification of Tree-of-Heaven from WIFDN

Read on to learn how you can help with spotted lanternfly monitoring efforts in Wisconsin. Finding this pest as soon as it arrives will give us our best chance at protecting Wisconsin’s trees and woody fruit crops from this pest!

Want to join tree-of-heaven mapping? Follow these steps:

  1. Learn how to identify tree-of-heaven and it’s look alike species.
  2. Go out and look for tree-of-heaven. It is most often found in urban areas and along current and former railroad corridors. Check your local parks and bike paths that are established on old railroad beds!
  3. If you find tree-of-heaven, send a report to WIFDN so we can add it to the map! Each report should include the date you saw it, photos of the plant(s) you saw, and the location (GPS coordinates). You can email reports to WIFDNcoordinator@gmail.com or use the EDDMapS App or EDDMapS website.
tree of heaven identification graphic

Look for Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is likely to be found first on tree-of-heaven when it arrives in Wisconsin, but it could be found on a variety of other species! That means you can keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly throughout the growing season and report it if you think you’ve found it!

Want to look for spotted lanternfly? Follow these steps:

  1. Learn how to identify spotted lanternfly in its life stages throughout the year. Watch the video from UW Insect Diagnostic Lab and look at the DATCP fact sheet for reference. Adults will likely be easiest to spot; they typically congregate at tree-of-heaven in late summer (August into October).
  2. Look for spotted lanternfly! Targeting tree-of-heaven is a good place to start, but looking at other woody plants and trees is also a good idea.
  3. If you think you’ve found spotted lanternfly, you should report it to the DATCP Spotted Lanternfly Report Form.

Resources

  • Spotted lanternfly identification factsheet from DATCP: a good one-page resource that shows pictures of spotted lanternfly’s life stages.
  • Tree-of-heaven and look alikes identification guide: a two-page guide to identifying tree-of-heaven and its look alike species in Wisconsin.
  • See our 1 page factsheet for a concise look at tree-of-heaven.
  • If you are looking to manage tree-of-heaven on your land, or with permission from stakeholders, you can find our recommendations on how to do so on the Renz Weed Science page.

References: