Spotted lanternfly detected in Tennessee: Current updates

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (SLF), is a planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) whose nymphs and adults feed on many host plants. SLF is native to China, India and Vietnam and has been introduced into Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. It was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in September of 2014. In September 2023, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture confirmed detection of SLF in Davidson and Wilson counties in middle Tennessee. In Tennessee, SLF adults were found near a railroad track in Davidson County where train cars are often left for a few days. Egg masses were found on railroad ties, under rock ledges, on tree of heaven, bush honeysuckle, poison ivy, downed tree limbs and logs. Additionally, egg masses were also found under peeling tree bark, in hollow trees, and on the underside of plywood and lumber. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Plant Certification section along with USDA APHIS PPQ, TN Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University are actively working to manage SLF populations in TN. Eradication efforts have been underway since the initial detection. Constant efforts are made to survey adults and immatures are through deploying traps. Approximately 3,953 newly deposited egg masses and 2,570 old egg masses were destroyed. Additionally, Extension and outreach activities, such as educating the extension agents, responding to reports from the public, and distributing SLF educational postcards are creating awareness among the public.