The spotted lanternfly (SLF)  has been reported from over 70 species of plants, including the following.  If you think you have found and SLF in Nebraska: take a photo, report it here and free the specimen.

• Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (Preferred host and an invasive plant species)
• Maple Trees
• Apple Trees(Malus spp.)
• Stonefruit Trees including: Plum, cherry, peach, apricot (Prunus spp.)
• Hop Vines (Humulus spp.)
• Grape Vines (Vitis spp.)
• Willow (Salix spp.)

SLF can be harmful soft fruit production (listed above) by feeding on sap from stems, leaves, and trunks. The sugary secretions, excrement, created by SLF may coat the host plant, later leading to the growth of sooty mold learn more here. Sooty mold can inhibit plant photosynthesis and make outdoor furniture, such as picnic tables, unusable. 

Adults are found on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) which is an invasive plant. In the fall in Pennsylvania, adult spotted lanternfly prefer to feed and mate on tree of heaven when compared to other host plants. That being said, proximity to tree of heaven did not significantly influence the number of spotted lanternfly found on other hosts in a 2015-2016 host plant evaluation conducted in PA. (After spending time on tree of heaven, the insects disperse in the local area to lay eggs just about anywhere.)

Other hosts reported for this insect include: American beech (Fagus grandifolia), American linden (Tilia americana), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata), black birch (Betula lenta), black cherry (Prunus serotina), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), black walnut (Juglans nigra), dogwood (Cornus spp.), Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus), maple (Acer spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and white ash (Fraxinus americana). Learn more & source of information Here . 

SLF is primarily spread long distances when females lay egg masses on trains, semitrucks, various other vehicles, and products that are then moved to other locations. NISC member Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has been conducting visual surveys since 2019 to find SLF on its preferred host, Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree species. NDA, Nebraska USDAs’ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine Program (NE APHIS-PPQ), Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Extenison, NISP, and NGPC have conducted outreach to the public and resource agencies to increase early detection efforts. SLF is most visible July to October as an adult, about 1 inch long, gray with black spots, and bright red underwings see photos to right. It is recommended anyone who suspects finding a SLF in Nebraska take a photo of the insect, collect, or kill it, and report it here.  

The adults and immatures damage host plants by feeding on sap from stems, leaves, and the trunks of trees. In the springtime in Pennsylvania (late April – mid May), nymphs (immatures) are found on smaller plants and vines and new growth of trees and shrubs. Third and fourth instar nymphs migrate to the tree of heaven and are observed feeding on trunks and branches. Trees may be found with sap weeping from the wounds caused by the insect’s feeding. The sugary secretions (excrement) created by this insect may coat the host plant, later leading to the growth of sooty mold.  Host plants have been described as giving off a fermented odor when this insect is present. Learn more Here.

 Adults may be found on the trunks of trees such as the tree of heaven or other host plants growing in close proximity to them. The USDA states that dusk is a great time to inspect your trees or other host plants for signs of this pest, as the insects tend to gather in large groups on the trunks and stems of plants at that time of day.

Tree of heaven, bricks, stone, lawn furniture, recreational vehicles, and other smooth surfaces can be inspected for egg masses. Egg masses laid on outdoor residential items such as those listed above may pose the greatest threat for spreading this insect via human aided movement.  Learn more and source of informatoin Here.