Possible Spotted Lanternfly Detection in Washington State

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On October 27th, Washington State Department of Agriculture released information calling for the public to keep a watch out for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a known invasive agricultural pest in Eastern U.S. states following a community member report of a possible sighting in the Omak region.

Spotted lanternfly is a destructive pest attacking primarily grapes, but also has been sighted in other crops such as hops, apples, peach, and other fruit trees. Should it become established in Washington, spotted lanternfly could threaten many Washington iconic crops and result in costly quarantines and increased pesticide use to manage the pest. Establishment in Washington poses a threat for additional spread into Oregon.

“This is another example of the important role everyone plays in stopping invasive species,” said Justin Bush, the [Washington Invasive Species] council’s executive coordinator. “If you spot a suspected invasive species, immediately notify the council through our website or phone app…. You may be reporting a new invasive species and help prevent millions, if not billions, of dollars in damage and loss.”

In Oregon, report potential invasive species sightings to the Oregon Invasive Species Online Hotline: https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Reports will be responded to during the appropriate season for detection and follow up.

What you can do to help:

  • Learn about spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula) and its look-a-likes.

  • Examine your trees, especially invasive tree of heaven, and other outdoor surfaces for spotted lanternfly - you are most likely to find egg masses, but you may spot an adult into the middle of November.

  • Contribute to Oregon's Tree of Heaven Census to help map the distribution of this invasive plant that is a preferred host for spotted lantern fly: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/oregon-tree-of-heaven-census

  • Know someone moving from a spotted lantern fly infested area? Ask them to inspect for egg masses on anything they are moving that has been left outside. Scrape and kill egg masses or adult insect pests that are found on the items to avoid moving them to the West Coast.

  • To learn more about invasive species issues in Oregon, check out the recently published Invasive Species Primer found here: https://www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org/threats-and-opportunities-primer

We will continue to post information about this situation and spotted lanternfly here:

June 2021 OISC Meeting Recap

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In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the most recent Oregon Invasive Species Council meeting held June 16, 2021. We had 25 attendees representing 20 organizations in total. Representation included 4 Federal Agencies, 5 State Agencies, 2 Educational Institutions, and others including NGOs, advocacy groups, and individuals.

Highlights from the June meeting include:

  • Rick Boatner (2021 OISC Chair, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) gave an update on the 2021-2023 OISC budget, workplan, and Coordinator contract.

  • Paul Heimowitz (U.S. Fish & Wildlife) and Rachel Gregg (EcoAdapt) gave an overview of the Invasive Species & Climate Change: Northwest State of Practice Survey that received 300+ responses (link to presentation). Responses showed that management priorities included biodiversity, rare species and habitats, habitat connectivity, freshwater sources, and endangered species. Additionally, respondents reported spending more time addressing existing invasive species and 49% feel they are currently holding ground against invasives. 

  • A rough timeline for 2022 Appointed Membership Nominations & Officer Elections was presented to the Council.

  • The Council approved the updated OISC Bylaws, which included edits focused on Council and Committee procedures, delegation of tasks, working groups, communication flow, and statutory obligations. 

  • Sam Chan (Oregon Sea Grant) of the Education & Outreach Committee gave a progress update for the Inclusive Language Working Group. They continue to work on problematic name nomenclature.

  • The Council approved changing the concept of what was formerly referred to as the “Worst List” to an invasive species hub and associated categories and to continue to populate information to support those resources. Nikki Brooks (Customs & Border Protection) went over the process for publishing the invasive species information hub. The working group plans to coordinate with the Education & Outreach Committee to publish the list.

  • Karen Ripley (USDA Forest Service) of the Communications Committee gave a progress update on the 2020 Annual Report and identified areas that are needing content. The committee hopes to reinstate a monthly meeting for July, August, September, and November. 

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for this meeting! Information about upcoming OISC meetings will be posted on the OISC Meetings Page as details are confirmed.

Entomological Society of America discontinues use of problematic common names for two insect species

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better-common-names-project.png

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has removed “Gypsy Moth” and “Gypsy Ant” as common names for these two insect species because they contain a derogatory term for the Romani people. This decision is a result of a new ESA program, Better Common Names Project, that is reviewing and replacing common names that are inappropriate and/or problematic.

The moth, Lymantria dispar, is a problematic insect for North American forests as the caterpillars feed on 300 different species of shrubs and trees.

Read the original article, published 7/7/2021, here: www.entsoc.org/entomological-society-america-discontinues-use-gypsy-moth-ant-names

Submit Your Nominations for an Outstanding Local Leader and Collaborator!

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Protecting our region from the impacts of invasive species is a complex task that demands leadership and collaboration across a wide network of people, groups, and organizations. The Oregon Invasive Species Council would like to recognize the dedication and achievements of regional efforts and have created a new award to recognize local leadership and collaboration.

Learn more about the award and submit your nomination here

Potentially invasive Cuban treefrogs found in plants shipped to Oregon

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Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Two non-native and potentially invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) were found late last month hitchhiking on nursery plants sold at one location in Oregon and another purchased online. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) advises that nursery plant retailers and customers inspect all products. 

Do not release any found animals into the wild and report them immediately to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-468-2337 or online at: https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create.