This month, we are asking volunteers to keep on the lookout for an invasive plant-insect pest combination: tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly, respectively. Tree of heaven is a common invasive tree in the Lower Hudson PRISM region that is often confused with sumacs. The large compound leaves of tree of heaven are made up of many paired leaflets that are arranged opposite of one another on the extended leaf stalk, or rachis. When crushed, these leaflets (or any branch or trunk of tree of heaven, for that matter) give off a distinctive odor like rancid peanut butter or burnt rubber. The leaf margins/edges are smooth, unlike sumac or walnut leaves which are serrated and do not have a burnt smell to them. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper species native to China and Vietnam which has infested areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Established populations have not yet been recorded in New York State and early detection of this species (through efforts like this EcoQuest!) is critical in keeping it that way! At this time of year, adult and late-stage nymph spotted lanternflies (see photo below) may begin to start congregating around tree of heaven, one of its preferred host species. Make sure to check out this informative video created by our Invasive Species Citizen Science Coordinator, Brent Boscarino, on some tips for how to spot tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly in the field! You can also find more details on how to spot SLF by linking to this webinar given by Joyce deVries Tomaselli of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County.
To join the Invasives Strike Force EcoQuest all you need to do is 1) register to participate here (no need to re-register if you've already done so for a previous challenge) 2) visit our 2020 EcoQuest webpage for ID tips 3) download the free iNaturalist App, 4) hit the trail, head to a park, or look around your property for the target species, and then 5) point, click, and upload photos directly to iNaturalist!
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