The lanternfly is an invasive species from Asia that feeds on grape crops and trees. It has yet to be confirmed in the Mahoning Valley. (Submitted photo / Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

Q: I think I saw a spotted lanternfly. What do I do?

• Dave from Salem

A: Tell someone!

I was able to check on the possible sighting Dave had, and fortunately, we were able to confirm that the insect was NOT a spotted lanternfly.

We want all of you to be vigilant. We want you to tell us something looks unusual. We want to know that you found something that looks like it may be the spotted lanternfly pictures you have seen in the media and through the fact sheet shared below. That is the only way to determine when an invasive pest is here is for the public to be observant and let us know.

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is from Asia and was first reported in Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. This invasive insect was found near our border in Beaver, Pa., in 2019, then in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 2020, and was recently found in Cuyahoga County.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture tells us two populations of the insect have been found and they are connected by a railroad line. This is important, because it is one of the ways the insect can easily hitchhike and spread into our area.

We are concerned about SLF due to its preference for grapes as a host plant to feed on.

The other main host plant is Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).Tree of Heaven is an invasive tree that is from Asia and has been here for here for well more than 100 years. It grows very quickly and is common along fencerows, railroad beds and roadsides. Thus, these areas are good locations to find the host tree and scout for SLF on the trunk.

Learn to identify this tree at http://go.osu.edu/ailanthusvsumac.

In addition to grapes, SLF will feed on fruit trees, hops, blueberry oak, pine, poplar and walnut — although you will usually find the adults this time of year on the trunk of Tree of Heaven. NOW is the time to be out scouting for this insect.

The SLF is not really a fly, it is a planthopper — and thankfully not a very good flyer. The adult is about 1 inch long and a half inch wide, with pinkish hues to the wings with black spots when it is at rest. When the wings are open, you can see the red markings on the hind wings. Wings are about two inches wide when spread.

If you suspect you have found SLF, the first report should be made to the Ohio Department of Agriculture at http://go.osu.edu/odaslf or by calling 614-728-6400. You can also bring the suspected insect to our office in Canfield or call us to report a sighting. You are the first line of defense.

For photos and more details, please see our factsheet at http://go.osu.edu/spottedlantern.

Barrett is the Ohio State University Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the extension office hotline, 330-533-5538, 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays to submit your questions.