The Spotted Lanternfly was recently seen in Southbury. Residents are asked to report any other sightings and, if possible, collect and send a specimen to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper, was discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. It is native to China, India, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. This insect attacks many hosts including grapes, apples, stone fruits, and tree of heaven and has the potential to greatly impact the grape, fruit tree, and logging industries.
Early detection is vital for the protection of Connecticut businesses and agriculture. This pest was recently seen in Southbury so residents are asked to report any other sightings and, if possible, collect and send a specimen to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Click to view information on the Spotted Lanternfly and the specimen submission form.
Go to https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=608416&deepNav_GID=1631 for more information.
Tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is the primary reproductive host of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycormadelicatula. To optimize surveying for SLF, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is looking for areas in CT with stands of tree-of-heaven with 10 or more mature stems. Areas in public land close to shipping lanes, warehouses, industrial zones, rest stops, travel lanes, and ports are especially important.
Please contact ReportSLF@ct.gov with detailed location information.