The Spotted Lanternfly is a pretty insect that appears to be harmless, not all that different than a butterfly. I can't imagine that I'd ever harm a butterfly but if you see a Spotted Lanternfly, stomp it dead into the ground.
According to New York iMap Invasives, the Spotted Lanternfly came to North America from Asia and this insect feeds on grapes, maple trees and hops! The Spotted lantern Fly is a threat to our state agriculture and forests! Kill it first! Then report it!
I have only seen 2 Spotted Lanternfly in the last 6 years, but that doesn't mean they are not out there causing damage. I saw one on a visit to Philadelphia in 2020 and I saw one at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in July of this year.
According to Cornell Integrated Pest Management, the Spotted Lanternfly has infested New York State as far north as Albany County, west to Erie County, and south to Suffolk County. Sightings reported throughout central New York.
Have you spotted the Spotted Lanternfly? If you have you will need to do the following immediately:
- Kill it!
- Photograph the insect
- Capture the insect and place it in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
- If no jar and rubbing alcohol are available, place the insect in a freezer
- Contact a Spotted Lanternfly Responder HERE
The Spotted Lanternfly was first observed in New York State in 2020 but has been in the United States since 2014. The nuisance pest likes to eat it's way through 70 different plants.
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Gallery Credit: Yasmin Young
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