When I was field collecting in PA this past weekend, I got to see a lot of these pretty, yet horrible invasive insect. This is Lycorma delicatula, or the Spotted Lanternfly. This pest was introduced from Asia, and has established itself all over PA, as well as been detected in several other states. The preferred host of this pest is Ailanthus, or Tree of Heaven, however they’ll feed on virtually any plant. This pest is sort of like an aphid in the sense they suck the sap of trees. They’ll also leave large gross areas on trees which quickly mold, damaging the tree. If you see one of these and aren’t in the PA quarantine zone, consider reporting it to your states agricultural department. #Lycorma #Lycormadelicatula #SpottedLanternfly #SLF #Agriculture #Pest #Invasive #InvasiveInsect #Pennsylvania #PAnature #Hemiptera #Bug #Insect https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZWlCbA5Zv/?igshid=1060xtci02792
