Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

SLF

Spotted Lanternfly on Ailanthus last Saturday. Report New York sightings here.
Several, actually. These were all down on 1st Avenue. Found one in Bush Terminal Park, as well.
Found one in Green-Wood on Sunday.
Recommended procedure for tackling this handsome scourge is to kill them and destroy their egg masses. I’ve noticed that when you go in for the kill, they try to escape by hopping/flying, generally in a curving direction. This one I just caught in a jar and froze to death, but otherwise I’ve been stomping them when I can.
Check out that long mouth part. These are true bugs, so they suck their food from plants. SLF are an invasive problem because of the damage they do feeding on important woodland and fruit trees, as well as such crops as grapes and hops.

mthew

3 responses to “SLF”

  1. Chuck McAlexander

    Beautiful bug! I remember being told the devil is handsome. SLF is proof!

    Reply
  2. elwnyc

    I saw one at my apartment complex Wednesday – took a picture but didn’t ID it until later. I’ve reported it, and have also let the management, our gardener, et al. know so they can deal with it.
    I searched our area for an hour today but did not spot any.

    Reply
    1. elwnyc

      Forgot to mention – I’m in Fort Greene a block west of Ft. Greene Park.

      Reply

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