The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper native to Asia, has rapidly spread across the northeastern United States, threatening agriculture, forestry, and residential landscapes. Feeding on more than seventy plant species, including grapevines, maples, and fruit trees, it weakens plants and produces sticky honeydew that fosters mold growth and attracts nuisance insects. This webinar will cover identification at all life stages, the insect’s life cycle and host preferences, and the factors behind its swift spread. Participants will learn about its current distribution, the damage it causes, and available tools for monitoring and management, equipping growers, landowners, and residents in quarantined areas with the knowledge to take effective action.

Register By: April 2, 2026  
This event is free of charge. 

In Pennsylvania, more than 250 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals have been identified that significantly affect the environment and agricultural production, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses each year. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Webinar Series addresses this urgent issue by presenting timely topics related to invasive species in Pennsylvania and beyond. Each session covers species identification, management strategies, ecological impacts, and foundational concepts in invasion biology. Designed for a broad audience, this series requires no prior knowledge. Through increased awareness and the sharing of practical information, the webinars aim to empower communities and highlight the collaborative efforts of state agencies and partners working to protect Pennsylvania’s landscapes and resources.