Well This Is A Bummer


This afternoon, roaming around, preparing for tonight’s blog post which would have been Ironweed (Vernonia). I happened to glance at one of the leaves of the Ironweed that I was going to photograph and there was a strange looking creature that looked as if it was dressed up for a masquerade ball.

Unfortunately this gaudy being is a 4th stage nymph of a Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). It was captured and stomped upon. I’ve now notified my Cooperative Extension Agent. I’m hoping there have been no others seen here in Greene County, Virginia. According to the maps that I see, none have been reported.

As of a little more than a month ago Spotted Lanternflies have been found in 17 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

If you find one where you live notify your Cooperative Extension Office right away.

________________________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!

,

8 responses to “Well This Is A Bummer”

  1. oh wow. so sorry they found you! I haven’t seen any yet, but need to be on the lookout!

    • Hi Anita,

      Do keep your eyes open! I was really surprised to find this nymph, though I hear from my extension agent that the SLF has been in this county since last year. UGH!

      Thanks so much for reading my ramblings!
      Bren