Spotted Lanternfly Threatens Local Plants, Trees
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect notorious for its destructive impact on a variety of plants, has been confirmed for the first time in South Carolina, raising concerns for the state's vital agricultural and forestry industries. Officials at Clemson University's Department of Plant Industry (DPI) announced detections of the pest in Greenville and Seneca.
The insect, native to Asia, has rapidly spread across 18 other states since its initial detection in Pennsylvania in 2014, including neighboring North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. While the spotted lanternfly poses no direct threat to human or animal health, its presence could inflict significant economic and ecological damage by feeding on grapes, hops, stone fruits, and various hardwood trees.
"The concern with spotted lanternfly is its potential impact on our forestry and agricultural industries," said Steven Long, Assistant Director of DPI. "Early detection is critical to prevent economic and ecological losses." Clemson officials are mobilizing with state and federal agencies to locate and eradicate the pest, which may involve accessing private property for surveillance and treatment.
Stephen Cole, executive director of Clemson Regulatory Services, said a collaborative effort is required to fight the pest.
"Success in fighting the spotted lanternfly will be built on cooperation between state and federal collaborators," said Cole, citing strong partnerships with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, South Carolina Forestry Commission, and Clemson Extension.
The spotted lanternfly damages plants by siphoning sap from branches, stems, and trunks, leaving behind distinctive dark scars. The insect also excretes a sticky substance known as "honeydew," which promotes mold growth, attracts other insects, and emits an unpleasant, fermented odor.
According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), key indicators of the spotted lanternfly include:
• Nymphs: Young insects that are initially black with white spots, turning bright red as they mature.
• Adults: Approximately one inch long with grayish-brown forewings dotted with black, and striking scarlet hindwings marked with black and white bars.
• Egg masses: Laid on almost any hard surface, including trees, vehicles, and outdoor equipment. Fresh masses appear putty-like and gray, later hardening to resemble dried mud.
• Honeydew: A sticky residue found on infested plants, often accompanied by a sooty mold.
The insect's ability to lay eggs on nearly any stationary surface, particularly man-made objects, makes it a formidable threat that can easily "hitchhike" to new locations unnoticed. This characteristic is believed to have facilitated its arrival in the U.S. and its subsequent rapid spread.
David Coyle, an associate professor at Clemson’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, noted the inevitability of the pest's arrival given its presence along the East Coast: "As with so many other invasive insects and plant diseases, once it arrived from overseas, it has been hitching a ride on vehicles, shipping containers, pallets and other means. This is why we are urging people to inspect vehicles and cargo."
State officials are urging South Carolinians to remain vigilant, inspect vehicles and outdoor equipment, and promptly report any suspected sightings. The national response to the spotted lanternfly, led by APHIS, involves comprehensive survey, detection, and treatment programs, alongside extensive public outreach and scientific research to develop effective control methods.
To report a spotted lanternfly sighting or learn more, visit www.clemson.edu/invasives.
