A fly against Californian wine

The Californian winegrowers’ association has issued a warning about an imminent plague that could cause irreparable damage to wine production in the California wine region, the best-known in the United States.

It is an Asian species known as the lanternfly and, after spreading to countries such as Japan and Korea, it has reached the West Coast. This insect feeds on fruit trees and vines, where it absorbs the sap and, according to farmers, can cause irreparable damage to production.

A few days ago, eggs of the insect were discovered in an outdoor sculpture in Sonoma County, one of the nerve centers next to the Napa Valley for Californian wine.

The association warns that if more eggs have arrived in California undetected, they may reproduce in the coming weeks, so peak populations are expected in late summer or early fall.

“Lanternflies have been found in 18 states and have been shown to pose a serious threat to vineyards. These invasive insects feed on the sap of the vines and also leave a sticky honeydew and residue on the clusters and leaves. Their activities stress plants, decrease vine health and, in some cases, can cause plant death,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Vintners Association.

Adults are usually visible from July to November and have the ability to fly, although not very far. The inch-long adults look quite different at rest than they do while flying. At rest, with their wings folded, they have a dull tan gray color with black spots. During flight, the adult’s open wings reveal a bright red, black, and white color.