North Carolina Growers on High Alert for Spotted Lanternfly Invasion

By NC State Extension|November 5, 2021

Recently, an established population of the spotted lanternfly was found in Hillsville, VA, less than 20 miles from the VA-NC state line. This is the closest infestation to North Carolina to date.

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Up close with the spotted lanternfly. The invasive pest continues to spread around parts of the U.S., posing a threat to fruit growers and their crops. Photo courtesy of Delaware Department of Agriculture
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There are four stages in the growth of the spotted lanternfly. Photo by Ruth Tam
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A gypsy moth egg mass (right) next to an egg mass of the spotted lanternfly (left) on a tree trunk. Egg cases of the spotted lanternfly can be found on tree bark and other nearby smooth surfaces.
Photo by Greg Hoover, Penn State University
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Spotted lanternfly adults and fourth-instar nymphs, with the bright red coloring, feed on a grapevine. Photo by Eric Clifton/Cornell University
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Adult Spotted Lanternflies on a grape trunk.
Photo by Heather Leach
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This map illustrates areas in the U.S. that have been identified as possible spotted lanternfly habitat.
Graphic courtesy of USDA-ARS

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Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect with a wide host range, known to attack more than 70 species of woody plants. The greatest impact will be felt on North Carolina agriculture (e.g., grapes/wine production and fruit trees), tourism, and event industries, and as a general nuisance pest.

As a sucking insect, spotted lanternfly uses straw-like mouthparts to remove nutrients and sugars from plants, reducing plant vigor. This increases susceptibility to other stress agents, reduces crop quality and quantity, impacts plant cold hardiness, and can lead to death.

Early detection is critical in the management of this pest. Everyone is asked to stay vigilant and report spotted lanternfly if you see or suspect that you see it. Please take a picture and submit it in an email to [email protected] or call the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 919-707-3730.