If you missed the invasive Spotted Lanternfly program by Josh Bruckner of the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources at the Newton Free Library last week, you can watch Ted Kuklinski’s video of the program on the Conservators’ YouTube Channel.
The destructive pest is not in Massachusetts yet but is working its way north from Pennsylvania.
According to the Penn State Extension:
“The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death. … As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below SLF feeding.”
Josh Bruckner can reached at joshua.bruckner@mass.gov, 617-626-1764. See Massachusetts Natural Resources website for more information on the Spotted Lanternfly and other invasive pests.
