Phenology of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Virginia, USA

Authors: DECHAINE, ANDREW - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; SUTPHIN, MARK - Frederick County Office Of Virginia Cooperative Extension; Leskey, Tracy; SALOM, SCOTT - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; PFEIFFER, DOUGLAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University

Submitted to: Environmental Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/2021
Publication Date: 10/6/2021
Citation: Dechaine, A.C., Sutphin, M., Leskey, T.C., Salom, S.M., Kuhar, T.P., Pfeiffer, D.G. 2021. Phenology of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Virginia, USA. Environmental Entomology. 50(6):1267-1275. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab107.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab107

Interpretive Summary: The invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) has now become established in Frederick County, Virginia. In 2019 and 2020, we conducted five-minute observations in plots to establish their seasonal activity on host plants and their developmental state. Nymphal and adult activity was recorded from May to November, on several host plants including tree of heaven, the BeeBee tree, black walnut, and wild grape. Growing degree days for each lifestage were also calculated. These studies will provide further information regarding SLF activity in the southernmost portion of its invaded range in the United States.

Technical Abstract: Lycorma delicatula (White), commonly known as the spotted lanternfly, is an invasive planthopper that was first discovered in North America in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014. Since its introduction, L. delicatula has spread to eight additional states and threatens agricultural, ornamental, and timber commodities throughout the United States. The timing of insect life events is very important in the development of pest management tools and strategies. In 2019 and 2020, L. delicatula phenology was successfully documented in Winchester, Virginia, using five-minute observational surveys at established monitoring plots. Each year, L. delicatula were active from May to November with initial detections of first, second, third, fourth, and adults occurring in May, May, June, June, and July, respectively. Cumulative average growing degree days were also calculated for the onset of each L. delicatula life stage using local weather data and a lower developmental threshold of 10°C. Combined, these data can be used by growers and land managers to facilitate development of effective pest management strategies.