An invasive spotted lanternfly Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture© Provided by CBS Chicago
The spotted lanternfly is a striking creature – with an array of black polka dots on its wings and a pair of strips of bright red on its underwings.
But the spotted lanternfly is also an invasive species, and if you see one, officials want you to stomp it with your shoe.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Tuesday confirmed the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata) has appeared for the first time in Illinois – though the department did not specify exactly where the spotting was.
State, federal, and local officials visited the site near the area where the insects were reported and found a moderately-populated area of spotted lanternflies on Monday of last week, the department said.
The department emphasized that the spotted lanternfly is not dangerous to the health or safety of humans or animals.
But it is still no friend of ours. And again, you’re supposed to stomp it with your shoe.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper, native to China. It was first spotted in southeast Pennsylvania in September 2014, went on to spread throughout the East Coast.
In New Jersey, spotted lanternflies have invaded Jersey Shore beaches. They have also been swarming in New York City since 2020.
In Westchester County just north of New York City, the Parks Department has taken to using a vacuum that looks like the proton pack from “Ghostbusters” to suck the swarms of spotted lanternflies off trees.
More here.
