Spotted lanternfly (SLF) (lycorma delicatula), a native of southeast asia was detected in switzerland county, in in july 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a $295,500 cooperative agreement to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on September 15, 2025, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to address the threat posed by Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Indiana. The award supports a one-year performance period through September 14, 2026, and funds comprehensive survey and delimitation activities to assess the extent and spread of SLF infestations detected in Switzerland County, Indiana—currently the westernmost known occurrence of this invasive species in the United States.

The cooperative agreement funds trapping and visual survey activities at high-risk pathways throughout Indiana to detect new SLF infestations, delimit the geographic extent of known infestations, and document populations of Tree of Heaven that may support SLF colonization. Deliverables include survey data and delimitation information to assess spread patterns, identify potential introduction pathways, and evaluate impacts to Indiana's timber, nursery, wine, fruit, and agricultural industries. The survey results will inform regulatory management strategies, commerce determinations for unaffected regions, and risk assessment protocols to protect Indiana's natural resources and agricultural economy from this economically damaging pest.

Activities

The cooperator seeks to conduct surveys to delimit known infestations of SLF, enhance future survey efforts and detect possible new infestations through multiple high risk pathways. Feeding by SLF on various hardwood trees, and fruit and ornamental crops will have negative effects on the state's agricultural and natural resources. Delimitation data will be used to assess the spread of the known infestation and identify pathways that may facilitate spread outside the infested area. Other data will be used to locate and survey high risk pathways for SLF introduction and document locations of tree of heaven in the state to determine if SLF is present in those populations. If new positive sites are located federal and state agencies will be notified so the range and age of the infestations can be determined. The survey data will determine the extent of the infestation thereby allowing commerce of indiana timber, nursery, and agricultural products from areas not impacted by the insect. The data will also be used to determine the impact and risk to the resources and affected industries, to implement additional regulatory management for infestations, and to develop management strategies. Deliverables and expected outcomes: trapping and visual surveys for spotted lanternfly (SLF), (lycorma delicatula) will be conducted in indiana. Trapping and visual surveys will be conducted for SLF at high-risk pathways throughout the state. Visual surveys for SLF and known indicators will be conducted at select vineyards. Visual surveys for tree of heaven (TOH), (ailanthus altissima) will be conducted in urban areas or other locations throughout the state. Canine inspections will be conducted throughout the state as well as nearby locations in northern ohio if available. Outreach materials will be produced, and outreach events will be attended to inform the public and affected industries about SLF. The work will be completed following the survey guidelines set forth by the USDA aphis PPQ. Results will be reported to napis. Intended beneficiary(IES): indiana and the whole of the USA. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: none at this time.