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With temperatures rising and the sun making its due appearance in Pittsburgh, many parts of the region will, unfortunately, be “welcoming” back an unwanted visitor for the summer season. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has become an annual visitor to Allegheny County since 2020, traveling from its native areas of China, India and Vietnam to feed upon Pittsburgh’s delectable plants, trees and crops. With the rapid spread of these insects, cracking down on containing lanternflies is a team effort. Shannon Powers, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), said that the PDA has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Pennsylvania’s wine and transportation industry, and other states to prevent lanternflies from spreading across the country. “It is important to remember that especially in new counties that are just beginning to see lanternflies, a large percentage of the reports, especially this time of year, are false,” Powers said. “[People] are seeing a black and red insect and they are reporting it as a lanternfly.” According to New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM), lanternflies look similar and are related to insects such as “cicadas, brown marmorated stink bugs, aphids, and leafhoppers” so, don’t be fooled. The spotted lanternfly is roughly 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, distinguishable by its gray forewings and red hindwings, which are decorated with black spots.

Photo Credit: Emelie Swackhamer/ Penn State University, Bugwood.org