Despite quarantine efforts, spotted lanternfly became established and continued to spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. A shipment of stone imported from Asia was contaminated with spotted lanternfly egg masses. Spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Photo: Richard Gardner, Current distribution & map of spotted lanternfly locations Refer to our information about tree-of-heaven and how to remove it. From tree-of-heaven in particular, the insects may obtain toxic chemicals from the tree which make them poisonous to potential predators. Early research suggests that spotted lanternfly prefers to feed and reproduce on tree-of-heaven (but research has shown it also can complete its lifecycle on other species such as maple and willow). Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Ī preferred host plant for the spotted lanternfly is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive weedy tree that grows in disturbed areas on field edges and roadsides. Red oak leaves with honeydew from spotted lanternfly feeding. The honeydew sticks to leaves and fruits where it attracts other pests and supports the growth of sooty mold, which contaminates and reduces the value of fruits, reduces plant photosynthesis, and weakens overall plant health. During feeding, they produce a sugary waste substance called honeydew. They do not bite or sting people or pets.īoth adults and nymphs (immatures) feed by sucking sap from plant stems, trunks, and leaves.

Spotted lanternfly is a type of planthopper insect that feeds in large groups on a wide range of plants including grapes, peaches, apples, walnuts, oaks, and pines. Refer to (PDF) Maryland Department of Agriculture Residential Checklist if you live in an area with Spotted Lanternfly. Control information can be found at the bottom of this page. Questions or concerns about this pest also can be submitted by email call (410) 841-5920. Its feeding has not resulted in killing plants (except for grapes). It is primarily a threat to Maryland's agricultural crops.Īll Maryland residents (except for those in Cecil or Harford Counties) are urged to report sightings of Spotted Lanternfly to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) as soon as possible.

It feeds on a wide range of plants including grapes, hops, apples, stone fruits, maples, walnuts, and other plant species.

Spotted lanternfly is spreading in Maryland and a quarantine is in place in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico Counties, as well as Baltimore City. This means a permit is required for any businesses moving within or through these counties, along with any movement in the quarantine areas in DE, NJ, PA, and VA. In Maryland, it was first found in Cecil County in October 2018. It was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive sap-feeding insect native to eastern Asia.

Lantern moth