Invasive spotted lanternfly reaches Illinois

An adult spotted lanternfly on a tree in Huntington, Indiana, on Aug. 17, 2022. The invasive species was first detected in Pennsylvania more than eight years ago.

The invasive spotted lanternfly has been identified in Illinois for the first time, the Illinois Department of Agriculture said Tuesday. Environmentalists across the state have long dreaded the arrival of the nuisance species, notorious for its spotted red and brown wings and the threat it poses to the more than 70 types of fruit trees and other plants it is known to consume. The East Asian insect was first identified in Pennsylvania around eight years ago and has been making its way west with rides hitched on railroad cars, semitrucks and other vehicles.

There is no reason to believe widespread plant or tree death will result from the insect’s presence, said Scott Schirmer, the Agriculture Department’s nursery and northern field office section manager. “This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some impact on the agritourism industry, including orchards, pumpkin patches, and vineyards,” Schirmer said.Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon.

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