Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Seen In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — The invasive spotted lanternfly was recently discovered in Princeton by the municipality's BioBlitz.

The destructive insect was spotted on Friday morning near S Harrison Street, according to BioBlitz's website.

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. It has since spread to New Jersey.

The insect feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, such as maple or birch trees. They are classified as invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

If allowed to spread, the spotted lanternfly "could seriously impact" the country's grape, orchard, and logging industries, according to the USDA.

The Environmental Protection Agency is urging residents to destroy any spotted lanternfly insects they may discover.

Sustainable Princeton and Friends of Princeton Open Space launched Princeton's BioBlitz to identify the flora and fauna throughout Princeton. For more information on BioBlitz visit click here.

For more information about the spotted lanternfly visit click here.

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