Jonathon Shields, Agriculture Inspection Manager with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, has confirmed a hatch of spotted lanternfly in Cincinnati.
Ohioans are urged to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly. Previously, everyone was encouraged to look for the egg mass stage of this non-native invasive species. While egg masses can remain visible even after hatch, ‘SLF spotters’ should also look for the nymph stage.
SLF nymphs have a pretty wide host range, and are incapable of flying, but are strong jumpers or hoppers as their species is described in the name — planthoppers. First, second, and third instar nymphs are black with white markings. The fourth instar is red with black and white markings.
Source:farmanddairy.com
Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Categories: Ohio, Crops