Tiny black and white spotted insects are emerging from the egg masses laid by spotted lanternflies (SLF) last fall.
Spotted lanternflies (SLF) are invasive insects that feed on grapes, hops, maple trees, and other woody plants, posing a severe threat to our natural resources. Visit agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly for more information.
In New York, SLF is most common downstate, but one potential pathway for spread is SLF’s preferred host plant, tree-of-heaven (ToH), which is found in many locations across New York.
A network of volunteers and professionals across the state are working together to monitor the spread of SLF and ToH. Through the “Claim a Grid Square” program, dozens of volunteers conducted hundreds of surveys across the state last year.
The Claim a Grid Square program has been re-launched for continued monitoring. All are welcome to join.
You can help protect New York’s agriculture and forests by knowing what to look for and how to report to New York’s official invasive species database, iMapInvasives.
NY iMapInvasives is managed by the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP), which is a partnership between SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, with funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
Visit www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf to learn more about the tracking program.
—New York Natural Heritage Program
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