On Friday, April 26th iEcoLab recorded the first spotted lanternfly egg hatch for the 2024 season! Research has shown that the timing of SLF egg hatch is associated with temperature. The warmer the spring time the earlier SLF are likely to hatch. Philadelphia has experienced a variation in day time temperatures this past month, but our observation aligns closely with SLF egg hatch timing predictions. After confirming with collaborators, it is believed this is the first SLF sighting in 2024 for Pennsylvania.
Photographic evidence of iEcoLab’s first SLF sighting of 2024 in Philadelphia on a red maple street tree (April 26, 2024). Photo credit: Isabella Smith
More freshly hatched SLF (April 29, 2024). Photo credit: Isabella Smith