7 August 2024
Noticed lanternflies (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) have been a deadly disease in Pittsburgh remaining 12 months. This month their grownup inhabitants is ramping up once more. What’s their standing now and the way do their numbers evaluate to remaining summer season?
I didn’t be aware of the primary grownup noticed lanternfly in 2023 however this 12 months I used to be able. My first 2024 sighting used to be on 18 July. Apparently I haven’t noticed a variety of purple nymphs and adults in comparison to remaining 12 months so I went to a spot that used to be swamped with them in 2023.
On Saturday I visited the 3 Rivers Heritage Path at Herrs Island again channel, a spot that used to be overrun by way of purple nymphs in overdue July 2023 and had such a lot of winged adults in August and September remaining 12 months that it used to be unimaginable for cyclists and pedestrians to steer clear of them. The insects flew into us. It used to be creepy.
This 12 months on 3 August I discovered grownup lanternflies on the similar position however now not in an amazing quantity. I counted 16 purple nymphs and 68 adults on the maximum densely populated location. The truth that they have been countable is an indication there weren’t that many … but.
This one attempted to steer clear of being counted. Hah!
What I couldn’t rely have been the insects above my head sucking sap from invasive vines and ailanthus bushes. Their “honeydew” covered the leaves under and “rained” on me at one level. Yuk.
Ultimate 12 months the worst of the invasion ran from overdue August to mid September so we nonetheless have extra to come back. Will it’s as unhealthy as remaining 12 months? CBS Pittsburgh supplies some knowledgeable evaluations.
As same old we’ll simply have to attend and notice.