Seasonal distribution of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (White) in a Pennsylvania vineyard

The invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), has become a significant pest of vineyards in southeastern Pennsylvania since 2014 and has spread to neighboring states. One commercial vineyard exposed to spotted lanternflies since the early infestation period was sampled in 2020 to study the distribution of L. delicatula in a vineyard. Two blocks of commercially harvested grapes were selected for observation. Weekly three-minute timed visual counts were performed in the vineyard blocks' border and interior sections from early June until mid-October. All L. delicatula developmental stages were observed in the vineyard, suggesting that commercial grapes can serve as a reproductive host for L. delicatula.  Significantly more L. delicatula were observed on the border regions compared to the interior areas. Seasonal peaks in the vineyard occurred during mid-September, coinciding with adult aggregations and grape harvest. This research and consequent studies will help develop integrated pest management strategies for spotted lanternflies in vineyards.