The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a sap-feeding planthopper, native to China, India and Vietnam, that was discovered in the United States in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014.
Dead spotted lanternfly adults were found in two areas of southern Michigan in fall 2020. A colony of live spotted lanternfly was detected in Oakland County in August 2022. Refer to the article First detection of spotted lanternfly in Michigan for more information. As of January 2025, established infestations of this pest have now been identified in Macomb, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, with small and isolated populations detected feeding on trees.
Here are more resources for learning more about this pest:
- Spotted lanternfly page on the State of Michigan's Invasive Species website. Includes current status in Michigan.
- Spotted lanternfly fact sheet from MSU Extension - Spotted lanternfly: A colorful cause for concern (Updated Nov. 12, 2020). Same information in printable PDF.
- Penn State University spotted lanternfly photos
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website
- Penn State “The state of spotted lanternfly” webinar (Sept. 13, 2018)
- USDA APHIS Spotted Lanternfly web page
Banner image courtesy of Lawrence Barringer; Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture; Bugwood.org
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