new bug in town-Lycorma delicatula

Lycorma delicatula 1st instar

adult SLFs, photo by Anna Lane

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a species of planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It was accidentally introduced into South Korea and has spread invasively to Japan and the United States, where it is often referred to by the acronym “SLF”. Its preferred host is the also invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus species. In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are regulated by parasitic wasps.–Wikipedia

stalled thunderstorm

Its been a dry spring in Virginia. Limited April showers have resulted in challenging conditions for plants. I’ve been drip irrigating juveniles in CHO. In the Tidewater there is a group of a few hundred adolescent trees I look after.Rain began falling at 1430 hours

Between 1430 and 1830 six inches of rain came down.

It’s pretty flat in Slabtown. takes awhile to soak in sheet flow in the yard

all things wet and wonderful