The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect species originating from Asia, has become a topic of growing concern in various parts of the United States, including New York. Initially identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, the SLF made its way to Staten Island by August 2020, marking the first infestation in New York State.

Characterized by its distinct, eye-catching wing patterns and various life stages from black nymphs to vividly colored adults, the SLF primarily feeds on trees of heaven (Alianthus altissima), but also poses threats to an array of other plants including, but not limited to, grapevine, hops, and various fruit trees. Its sap-sucking feeding technique stresses plants, making them vulnerable to diseases and other insect attacks. Moreover, SLF’s excretion, known as “honeydew,” can attract other insects, disrupt outdoor activities, and cause a sooty mold that interferes with plant photosynthesis.

Although the complete consequences of the SLF infestation remain uncertain, there are already observable negative impacts on agricultural and tourism industries, and potential threats to the forest areas of New York. With an annual apple and grape yield in New York worth over $350 million at risk, the economic damage of SLF could be staggering.

The infestation’s spread is primarily facilitated through human activities, as the SLF lay their eggs on various objects (e.g., vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture) that are then inadvertently transported to new locations. As a response, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), is implementing a plan to detect and prevent further SLF spread in New York. Strategies include conducting extensive trapping surveys in high-risk zones, inspecting nursery stocks and commercial transports, and instating a quarantine restricting the movement of certain goods from SLF-impacted states.

To effectively manage and mitigate the SLF’s expansion, collaboration from the public is crucial. This includes learning to identify SLF, inspecting outdoor items for egg masses, and destroying any detected egg masses appropriately. It’s not merely a state concern but a communal one, whereby collective actions will play a pivotal role in safeguarding New York’s rich biodiversity, sustaining its vibrant agricultural output, and protecting outdoor recreational activities from this invasive species.