Invasive spotted lanternflies are spreading across the metro areas of New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., despite professional and amateur attempts to reduce their numbers
It doesn’t take an experienced entomologist to notice the insects, which at every stage sport eye-catching polka dots and reach about one inch long in adulthood. Spotted lanternflies originally hail from Asia, and their first documented appearance in the U.S. occurred in Pennsylvania in 2014. In the intervening decade, they have spread throughout New Jersey and Delaware and have made substantial inroads in New York State, Connecticut, Maryland and beyond.
But when it comes to invasive species, one season of reduced sightings doesn’t merit a victory lap. “We know that they’re around. They haven’t left. They’re still here, and they’re still a concern,” says Jessica Ware, an entomologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. She adds that spotted lanternfly populations seem distinctively patchy, with herds of the insects moving around, although scientists aren’t yet sure what drives the pattern.
That’s not to say that New Yorkers can’t claim credit for pounding the pavement in response to the invasion—or that there isn’t more work to be done. Travis says continuing to squash lanternflies, even in areas where they’re established, is helpful.
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