Survey for the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on forty plant species in southeastern Pennsylvania

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper in North America. It was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in September 2014.  Subsequent monitoring, containment, and eradication efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture during 2015 have focused mainly on using brown sticky bands attached to the trunks of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the insect’s preferred host. In South Korea, where spotted lanternflies are also considered invasive, it has been reported on more than 65 plant species, including cultivated grapes, apples, and stone fruits. The objective of our study was to document spotted lanternflies in southeastern Pennsylvania on forty putative host tree species inside of the core infestation area. Brown sticky bands were monitored and serviced every two weeks between 15 May and 2 October. The bands were effective in capturing and killing first through third instar nymphs. A total of 3,627 spotted lanternflies were killed on twenty-four non-Ailanthus tree species during the study period. We documented the timing of instar and imago emergences and confirmed feeding on wild grape, Oriental bittersweet, and several other plant species. First, second, and third instar nymphs were collected from a much broader range of tree species than fourth instar nymphs or adults were. These later stages were observed primarily aggregating on Ailanthus and to a lesser extent, wild grapevines. This work will help inform ongoing eradication efforts in Pennsylvania by identifying potentially important hosts that could support lingering spotted lanternfly populations once removal of their primary host begins later this year.