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

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $295,500 cooperative agreement to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on September 15, 2026, to conduct delimitation surveys, high-risk pathway detection, and mitigation activities for Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Indiana.

The recipient will conduct trapping and visual surveys to delimit known infestations in Switzerland County, the westernmost location of SLF occurrence in the United States, and to detect possible new infestations through multiple high-risk pathways. Delimitation data will establish the extent and spread of infestation and identify vectors that may facilitate range expansion. Survey work will also locate and document populations of Tree of Heaven, SLF's preferred host plant, to determine whether the insect is present. If new positive sites are identified, federal and state agencies will be notified to assess range and infestation age. The survey data will support commerce determinations for Indiana timber, nursery, and agricultural products from unaffected areas, inform regulatory management implementation, and enable development of management strategies. SLF feeding damage threatens the state's grape, fruit, hardwood, and ornamental industries.

The period of performance runs through September 14, 2027. Work is performed in Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is a sub-recipient under the State of Indiana's grant administration structure through the State Budget Agency.

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. Cost categories: personnel: 95,030; fringe benefits: $20,945; travel: $7,624; supplies: 26,070; contractual: $130,000 (contractors for treatment); indirect costs: 15,831