The spotted lanternfly could be the next invasive species to threaten Michigan’s agriculture. Therefore, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has asked the public to be on the lookout for this insect, that has the potential to seriously affect Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources.
This insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.
To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan. First found in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, the spotted lanternfly has been spreading rapidly across the nation. Infestations have been confirmed in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia.
The spotted lanternfly causes direct damage by sucking sap from host plants and secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black, sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests, particularly hornets, wasps and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests.
Source: upnorthvoice.com
