Virginia Turfgrass Journal – Eric Day, Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) was detected in Virginia in January 2018. It is an invasive planthopper that was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. In Pennsylvania and its native range, SLF is a pest of grapes, peaches, hops, and apples. It is commonly associated with tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima. It has the potential to be a serious pest of agriculture and home gardens in Virginia.
Identification
The early nymphs are wingless, black, and have white spots on the body and legs. The later stage nymph develops red patches over the body while retaining the white-spot pattern.
Adult SLF are approximately 1″ long and ½” wide. The legs and head are black, while the abdomen is yellow with broad, black bands on top and bottom. Its front wings are light-brown/grey with black spots and dashed black lines at the tip. The hind wings have scarlet red and black sections that are separated by a white stripe. At rest, the SLF shows light-brown, grayish wings with black spots held “tent-like” over its body. Adult females are distinguished by the presence of a red spot on the end of the abdomen.
SLF egg masses contain 30–50 eggs, are 1–1.5″ long and ½–¾” wide, grayish-brown in color, and covered with a grey, waxy coating (newly laid egg masses are somewhat shiny). Old egg masses appear as rows of 30–50 brownish seed-like deposits in 4–7 columns, measuring roughly 1″ long.
Hosts
Although SLF is most commonly found on Ailanthus (tree-of-heaven), it can be found on over 70 other species of trees and is a pest of grapes, hops, peaches, and other tree fruits. In Pennsylvania where it is established in 13 counties, it occurs in extreme numbers in backyards and negatively impacts human activity.
Signs and symptoms:
Since the SLF produce sugary secretions called honeydew, look for the black sooty mold that grows on the honeydew. The sooty mold will cover branches, trunks, and man-made objects under the tree. In addition, some of the honeydew will ferment, leaving a vinegar smell. The black sooty mold makes it appear like a fire has scorched the area.
For information on Spotted Lanternfly
See: ext.vt.edu/spotted-lanternfly
If you think you have found the Spotted Lanternfly
Submit the sample to your nearest local Cooperative Extension Office: https://ext.vt.edu/offices.htmlOr submit a picture electronically: https://ask.extension.org/groups/1981/ask
 
5 Steps to Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat
By Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, Director, SIPMC & NC IPM Coordinator , North Carolina State University and Dr. Terri Billeisen, Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Insects are the most common and abundant pollinators in the world. Although bees may be the most well-known insect pollinators, there are many other insect species, including butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and beetles, which also play an important role in plant pollination. Due to increased interest in pollinator and wildlife communities in turfgrass environments, we are conducting a study examining how the implementation of pollinator-friendly habitat on established golf courses impact pollinator populations. In the spring and summer of 2018, we set out across the state, sampling for pollinators in managed turfgrass environments to determine which insects were already present prior to establishing refuge areas the following season. This fall we returned to these sites to plant pollinator-friendly seed mixes. After some trial and error, we have identified a few key things to know prior to establishing pollinator habitat. Our five summarized key steps to creating pollinator-friendly habitat on your golf course or ma...