Abington Township issued an announcement on the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive planthopper that attacks trees and has been spotted in Abington Township. Montgomery County is currently under quarantine to stop the movement and slow the spread of this invasive species. It is important to detect the bug in its early stages to protect our trees.

HERE is the PA Department of Agriculture resident checklist of the life stages of the invasive species look like, as well as what actions to take if you see them.

The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper, has been discovered in Berks County and now Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It is native to China, India, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. This insect has the potential to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries. Early detection is vital for the protection of Pennsylvania businesses and agriculture

The Spotted Lanternfly adult is approximately 1” long and 1/2” wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.

Signs & Symptoms:

Trees, such as tree of heaven and willow, will develop weeping wounds. These wounds will leave a greyish or black trail along the trunk. This sap will attract other insects to feed, notably wasps and ants. In late fall, adults will lay egg masses on host trees and nearby smooth surfaces like stone, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and structures. Newly laid egg masses have a grey mud-like covering which can take on a dry cracked appearance over time. Old egg masses appear as rows of 30-50 brownish seed-like deposits in 4-7 columns on the trunk, roughly an inch long.

What to do:

If you see egg masses, scrape them off, double bag them and throw them away. You can also place the eggs into alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Please report all destroyed eggs to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture HERE.

Collect a specimen: Specimens of any life stage can be turned in to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Entomology lab for verification. Submit samples with the Entomology Program Sample Submission Form.

Take a picture: A photograph of any life stage (including egg masses) can be submitted to Badbug@pa.gov.

Report a site: If you can’t take a specimen or photograph, call the Automated Invasive Species Report Line at 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359)and leave a message detailing your sighting and contact information.