Hatched egg masses of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) were found on trees imported from Pennsylvania and planted in some Maine communities, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in a news release.

The DACF is urging residents, especially those who live in Boothbay, Freeport, Northeast Harbor, and Yarmouth, to report sightings of this insect. This time of year, the spotted lanternfly is in the adult stage, pictured above.

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive sap-feeding insect from Asia that was first found in the United States in 2014, in Pennsylvania. While the preferred host plant of this pest is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), SLF attacks over 100 species of trees, shrubs, and vines, and has the potential to impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, including apples, peaches, grapes/wine, maple syrup, as well as the ornamental nursery industry.

The DACF Horticulture Program has inspected all the suspect trees and asks the homeowners and landscape companies to keep an eye on the areas where egg masses were found to confirm that no live populations are present. 

“Currently, no living or dead spotted lanternfly adults have been found in Maine,” said DACF.

SLF adults develop from the nymphal stage starting in July, and will feed and lay eggs until they are killed by a hard frost. The overwintering egg masses can be laid on any surface, including vehicles, nursery stock, and other outdoor structures.