The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper, has been detected in New York State.  Introduced in 2014 to southeastern Pennsylvania, this insect has since spread to neighboring states including Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, and as of September 2018, adult spotted lanternflies have been confirmed in Albany and Yates Counties of New York.  Surveys are underway to determine the extent of these newly detected populations, in addition to continued monitoring across the state.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on over 70 different plants, including several important agricultural, ornamental, and forest tree species, and has tremendous potential to negatively impact regional agricultural and forest resources.

The New York Invasive Species Research Institute is working with regional researchers, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to coordinate a scientific advisory group to inform the New York State Spotted Lanternfly Response Plan.

For more information on spotted lanternfly and how to report it, view the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation & NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Press Release.