Invasive Species

Spongy Moth:

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a non-native insect from France. Its caterpillar (larva) stage eats the leaves of a large variety of trees such as oak, maple, apple, crabapple, aspen, willow, birch, mountain ash, pine, spruce, and more.

For more information, visit the NYS DEC website at: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/83118.html                                                  

Spotted Lanternfly:

Lycorma delicatula, or Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), is an invasive plant hopper from Asia. In the United States, it was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Spotted Lanternfly has been found in New York State on Staten Island, Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, and Ithaca. SLF threatens the agriculture and forestry industries, and is also a nuisance pest. The nymphs and adults feed on over 70 different plants with piercing sucking mouthparts. To read more about the Spotted Lanternfly, go to: agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly

Cornell's Integrated Pest Management website is another great resource: nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly  

If you think you have seen a spotted lanternfly, please report ASAP by clicking here. You will need information about the location of the find, and ideally, photographs.