Invasive Species Alert: Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly can easily hitchhike on vehicles or shipments of materials, either as an adult or in egg masses, and MDAR was able to trace the insect back to a state where SLF has already been found.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive sap-feeding insect from Asia that was first found in the United States in 2014, in the state of Pennsylvania. While the main host plant of this pest is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), spotted lanternfly attacks a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, and has the potential to impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, including apples, peaches, grapes/wine, and maple syrup.

MDAR initial investigations did not find any evidence that SLF has become established in Norwood. However, as a precaution, surveys are planned in the area where the insect was found.  

Please report any possible sightings of this pest to MDAR here and conservation@norwoodma.gov. Find out more about Spotted Lanterfly at  https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html