Determining the seasonal incidence and abundance of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicately) in Tennessee

Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) are invasive non-native planthoppers that were first detected in the US in Pennsylvania in September 2014. In September 2023, Tennessee Department of Agriculture detected L. delicatula populations in Davidson County, TN. Knowledge of seasonal occurrence and abundance is critical to developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as sampling plans or management tactics for L. delicatula in Tennessee, management approaches have been adopted from information obtained from previously confirmed regions. In April 2025 four locations in Davidson County (Nashville, TN) were selected based on the 2023 -2024 L. delicatula survey data of TDA. Survival and development of L. delicatula were evaluated on woody and herbaceous trees including tree of heaven using circle trap. In each location four sites were identified and four circle traps were placed per site. Traps were deployed 1m on the trunk above the ground on and was monitored weekly for the rest of the year. Additionally, observational insect surveys lasting for 5 minutes were conducted at each plot to record L. delicatula life stage (eggs, nymphs and adults) and the number of L. delicatula present per host species. In the year 2025, hatchlings and first instar nymphs were detected on April 3, 2025, second instar nymphs were detected on May 1, 2025, and third instar nymphs were detected on May 15, 2025. A total of 5,712 nymphs (first, second, and third instars) have been captured to date in the circle traps.