DEC Seeks Public Help In Monitoring Spotted Lanternfly

ALBANY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking the public to look for and report any sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014.
“DEC and our partners at the Department of Agriculture and Markets are closely tracking the spotted lanternfly, a destructive invasive pest, as part of our ongoing efforts to prevent its establishment and spread in New York. This pest has the potential to severely impact our forests, as well as our state’s agricultural and tourism industries,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “New Yorkers are our eyes on the ground and engaging the public’s participation to support our efforts is a crucial step in preventing the spotted lanternfly from establishing itself in our state
Officials said the fly can have an adverse impact on such valuable crops as grapes, apples and hops.
Lanternfly nymphs, or young insects, are black with white spots and turn red before transitioning into adults. Adults, which resemble moths, begin to appear in July and are approximately one-inch long and half an inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings.
DEC and DAM encourage the public to be on the lookout for and report this pest. Send photographs and note the location of where the insect, egg masses, and/or infestation signs were found, to spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov. Inspect outdoor items such as vehicles and firewood for egg masses. If visiting Pennsylvania or other states with SLF, check equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.