Scientists recently advised Americans to squash the pesky, herbivorous spotted lanternfly. Due to an increase in cases of spotted lanternflies entering the United States, this notification has been issued. These insects were first found in Southeast Asia, according to ABC News.
In 2014, they crossed the border into the US when they arrived in Pennsylvania. The insects have since been spotted in other regions of the nation, particularly the Northeast, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
The New York City Parks Department website offers advice on how to deal with spotted lanternflies. The division stated:
“While it’s generally illegal in our city to harm wildlife, the current recommendation is to crush and dispose of spotted lanternflies when you notice them to slow the spread of this problematic species.”
The Spotted Lanternfly was originally discovered in Pennsylvania
Although the Beetles first made their way to the United States in 2014, they’re essentially new to the nation. The species can reproduce quickly by laying eggs virtually anywhere, raising major concerns.
The “boom-bust cycle,” which suggests they might produce a swarm of their kind soon enough, has boosted the crowds of insects this year, according to Anne Johnson, a graduate student in Pennsylvania State University’s department of entomology. via Gizmodo.
According to ABC News, the female lanternfly can produce between 40 and 50 eggs per clutch between September and October. The eggs usually hatch in the spring.
As they become more numerous, the species can destroy forests, parks, and agricultural land. However, they have not been reported to bite or sting anyone. They primarily harm plants because they leave behind a sticky substance called “honeydew,” which subsequently turns into mold and kills trees and other plants by preventing photosynthesis.
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The spotted lanternflies in Philadelphia are constructed very differently from those in New York. In New York City, they don’t even jump, so you can easily crush them. Killing a spotted lanternfly in Philadelphia requires agility, strength, bravery, resilience, focus, and coordination.
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According to entomologists, the species may have arrived on rocks shipped to the United States as hidden masses of eggs.
Efforts have been made to halt the spread of the spotted lanternfly
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation have launched an intensive workshop to train volunteers to collect the invasive pests.
Richard Ball, the commissioner of agriculture for New York, said efforts were being made to halt the unusual spread of the species. Added him:
“This groundbreaking initiative is a fantastic next step in New York’s fight against the spotted lanternfly. Our long-term attempts to stop the spread of this invasive species have relied heavily on humans.
Ball took note of their plans and added:
“By expanding this call to action, we can both increase the area we cover and continue to spread knowledge about SLF and promote awareness of SLF throughout New York. I appreciate the efforts of our volunteers and urge New Yorkers to enroll in training programs and start conducting surveys.
But the fight against the species is far from over in New York. NBC News reports that another $22 million is needed to end the species. According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:
The spotted lanternfly now poses a multi-million dollar threat to New York’s economy, endangering both agriculture and tourism.
Several researchers have also reportedly urged people to scan their vehicles for spotted lanternfly eggs, which may have gone undetected. On cars, eggs can be laid on the sides or on the bottom.