In August, The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of spotted laternfly in Pontiac, Michigan. Early detection allows containment which is vital to prevent the spread.
What to look for:
Eggs of the spotted laternfly look like old chewing gum. They are approximately one inch long with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs are brownish, seed like deposits. Immature spotted laternfly look like a small red or black bug covered in white spots. Adults are one inch long with folded wings that are gray to brown with small black spots and brightly colored wings.
Tree of Heaven is the preferred plant for the spotted laternfly but they also feed on grape plants, and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When feeding they produce a sticky liquid called honeydew that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation.
If you think you have found a spotted laternfly please use the Eyes in the Field on-line system. For more information visit Michigan.gov/Spotted Laternfly.
(Information for this blog is from Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.)
