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The Spotted Lanternfly is a highly invasive species that is native to China, India, and Vietnam. This insect was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014.
Some Facts you Should Know About the Spotted Lanternfly
- Since this initial detection, the Spotted Lanternfly has spread and established in multiple surrounding states including Connecticut and more recently,Massachusetts.
- The Spotted Lanternfly is harmless to humans. This insect is a nuisance pest and poses a major threat to grape and orchard industries, as well as general forest health. Spotted Lanternflies particularly like Maple, Walnut, Willow, and Apple trees,among others.
- The Spotted Lanternfly stresses plants they feed from by using piercing mouth parts to suck sap. They also secrete honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold and attracts other insects. This eventually leads to the destruction of the plant’s health.
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What can you do if you find a Spotted Lanternfly?
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- You can report your sighting on Spotted Lanternfly Report Reporting Form—Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project (massnrc.org).
- Please also contact the Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety Department at ehs@amherst.edu to report sightings or if you have any further questions.
- You can then destroy the insect to prevent further damage to the environment.