MID-HUDSON – The Spotted Latternfly is a new invasive insect that is native to parts of Southeast Asia. It is now invading the region, said Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County.
It is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including various hardwood trees and crops that are critical to the state’s agricultural economy, such as grapes, tree fruits, and hops.
The Spotted Lanternfly is a sap feeding insect and also feeds in large numbers. This group feeding behavior can stress the plant.
The insect was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to surrounding areas, including New Jersey and Maryland.
Populations have also been reported in Lower Fairfield County Connecticut, parts of the New York City boroughs, Rockland and Orange County near New Jersey.
Cornell Cooperative Extension said until recently, Hudson Valley growers may have considered the threat from the insect to be far off, but the State Ag & Markets recently confirmed a population of the insect at a highway rest stop in Newburgh.
The infested area was treated with insecticides and traps were set out to monitor the insect populations.
CCE of Ulster County along with the Hudson Valley Research Lab and others will continue to provide outreach and education on the Spotted Lanternfly.
