

The preferred host is the Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima. The sap also attracts activity from wasps, hornets, ants, and bees. Honeydew facilitates the growth of sooty mold and can make decks, cars, patios, and walkways a sticky mess if they are located beneath a tree with a high population of lantern flies. HoneydewĪdults and nymphs feed on phloem tissues of bark and young stems with their piercing and sucking mouth parts and excrete large quantities of liquid (honeydew). Like most hemipterans, SLF feeds on plants using their sucking and piercing mouth parts to extract plant sap. The Spotted Lanternfly is a plant hopper belonging to the family Fulgoridae in the order Hemiptera. The Lanternfly is not dangerous to humans or animals however, they do pose a threat to agriculture (specifically the grape vine) and outdoor recreation.

Not a Threat to Trees or HumansĪt this time, the SLF is not an insect that will cause death to healthy hardwood trees however, they do reduce plant vigor and can become a nuisance. It is now also in parts of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New York. Native to China, the Spotted Lanternfly ( SLF) was accidentally introduced into Pennsylvania in September of 2014, and was first detected in New Jersey in 2018. The Princeton arborist reports the volume of insect populations that have been seen in Princeton have been located on properties that have the Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima, however the Lanternfly is capable of feeding on other trees. You will not be contacted unless more information is needed.Īs many residents are aware, the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma deliculata, has been spotted in Princeton. We will keep a database of the information for future use.
#JAPANESE LANTERN FLY REGISTRATION#
Residents can complete the Spotted Lanternfly Registration form to register their sighting with the town arborist. Residents are asked to report sightings by calling the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly hotline, 83 (BAD-BUGO), and leaving a message with their contact information and details of the sightings, or by emailing Spotted Lanternfly Control. Now seen in Princeton, as of summer 2019, on three Ailanthus trees (Tree of Heaven).
