The Unfortunate Arrival of the Spotted Lanternfly in Cincinnati

A new invasive pest has arrived in the Cincinnati area. The spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma
delicatula) was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has been
spreading ever since. A type of planthopper insect, the spotted lanternfly’s native habitat is in regions of China, but it has been accidentally introduced to Japan, South Korea, and now the United States where it poses a significant threat to agricultural crops and ornamental and native plants.

Adult lanternflies feed primarily on the non-native Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and this plant seems to play a significant role in the lanternfly life cycle. Native wild grape (Vitus spp.) is another preferred plant. Young lanternflies (nymphs) can feed on a wide variety of species. Examples of crops that may be at risk from spotted lanternfly are grapes, hops, stone fruits (peach, plum, etc.) and apples; also possibly at risk are maple, walnut, poplar, willow, and others. In its native range, spotted lanternfly numbers are kept in check by parasitic wasps, but outside its native range the lanternfly can spread unchecked.

Adult spotted lanternflies are approximately 1 inch long with a black head, grey wings with
black spots and red hind wings which are more visible when unfolded. The adults appear in
mid-July and are present through the fall, dying in winter. The egg masses overwinter and
nymphs emerge in May. Emerging nymphs are black with white spots, developing red
patches as they grow.

Last week the Cincinnati Parks Conservation Land Management and Urban Forestry teams
met with representatives from the Ohio Department of Agriculture and other agencies to
learn about the spotted lanternfly issue and assist with surveying an area within the Mill
Creek Valley for spotted lanternflies. Our teams will continue to stay abreast of the issue and assist state and federal efforts wherever possible. If you believe you have found a spotted lanternfly please report it to the US Department of Agriculture by calling 614-728-6400.

Written by Brendan Bogosian