Michigan DNR: Be On The Lookout For Spotted Lanternfly, An Invasive Species Threatening Agriculture, Natural Resources

Press release from Michigan DNR:

Sept. 15, 2021

Contact: Program contact: Robert Miller, (517) 614-0454 Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

NOTE: This is a copy of a news release sent out earlier today from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking the public to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously affect Michigan's agriculture and natural resources. This insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees. To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan.

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"Spotted lanternfly may be a colorful insect worthy of an Instagram post, but also is an invasive species with the potential to wreak havoc on trees, plants and other natural resources, resulting in millions of dollars in damages," said Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD. "In addition, it has the potential to impact grapes, stone fruits, apples and other crops in Michigan's fruit belt as well as important timber species statewide."

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In November 2020, MDARD and the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed dead spotted lanternfly adults found in packing material at two separate locations in Michigan, demonstrating one of the many ways this insect could find its way into the state.

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If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or phone the MDARD Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions and credit information follow:

SLF: The adult spotted lanternfly displays its colorful underwings and striped body when wings are open. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

SLF folded wings: Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternfly egg masses are gray to brown and resemble old chewing gum. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

This press release was produced by the Michigan DNR. The views expressed here are the author’s own.