Spotted lanternfly discovered in Oregon

According to the state’s department of agriculture, the spotted lanternfly has been discovered in the in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Agriculture released the following pest alert:

A spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, was found in Oregon for the first time in October 2020 in a shipment of planters and ceramic pots from Pennsylvania. The female specimen was dead and dry. SLF was first found in North America during 2014 in Pennsylvania. It is believed to have arrived on shipments of stone from China. Since then, SLF has been detected in 11 eastern states (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and WV). California has intercepted dead specimens in shipments. A quarantine is in place for infested counties. Unfortunately, most counties where it has been detected are not quarantined, as SLF is not considered established.

SLF has a great affinity for tree of heaven and grape vines, but it has a broad host range of more than 70 plant species that includes apples, cherry, chestnut, hops, maple, peaches, pear, pine, plum, poplar, oak, rose and walnut. Adults can hitchhike in vehicles. Eggs masses are likely to be the primary means of long-distance introduction. Egg masses are attached to hard, smooth surfaces, which may include vehicles, containers and other manmade items.

Oregonian residents can head to full pest alert here. The provided fact sheet offers tips on how to identify SLF and prevent the spread of this invasive species.