SPOTTED LANTERNFLY MONITORING

Help stop the spread of spotted lanternfly!

Spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect that feeds on more than 70 plant species including trees and crops such as grapevine, apple trees and hops, has spread to the WNY PRISM region. It was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014 and the first observation in New York State was on Staten Island in August 2020. In September 2022, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets confirmed the presence of spotted lanternfly in Buffalo. Monitoring for and reporting this high priority invasive species is crucial to help prevent its spread. 

How can I get involved?

Spotted Lanternfly Trap Monitoring

Spotted lanternfly traps are simple funnel traps that use metal screen wrapped around the trunk of the tree to guide SLF into a collection bag. Traps can be set up on tree-of-heaven, but if that species is not available, they can be set up on black walnuts, red maples or sugar maples. Trees need to have a diameter at breast height of at least 8-10 inches for the trap to fit properly. Traps are to be checked at a minimum of every two weeks and the findings are reported back to WNY PRISM. If you are interested in setting up and monitoring a trap, please contact Rachel Taylor at taylorrm@buffalostate.edu.