By Debbie Roos
The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper that is a serious pest of grapes, hops, fruit trees, and many ornamental plants. It is native to China, India, and Vietnam and first appeared in the U.S. in 2014. Last week it was found just 20 miles from the North Carolina border in Virginia which is the closest it has ever come to North Carolina.
Please, everyone, familiarize yourself with this pest, be on the lookout for it, and report it if you see it. This NC State Extension article has great photos and details about the insect. If you see a spotted lanternfly adult, nymph, or egg mass, please take a photo and email it to badbug@ncagr.gov along with information on the location and date it was discovered. You can also call the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 919-707-3730 to report a sighting.
Source : ncsu.edu