Invasive Plant-Eating Spotted Lanternfly Found In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — The invasive spotted lanternfly has been detected in the Ocean State for the first time this year, officials with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) said Tuesday.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper insect that was introduced into the United States in 2014. Native to China, the insect can cause significant damage to trees, grape, apple, stone fruits, walnut plants and other farm crops.

They are easily identifiable by their bright red underwings, yellow markings on the abdomen, tan semi-transparent forewings and distinctive spotted patterning. Adults are usually about an inch long, and are active from August through the first hard freeze of the year, usually in late October or early November, the DEM said.

Patches of spotted lanternflies were found along Route 7 in Smithfield. DEM officials said they are working to determine the extent of the insects' spread and to curb it.

DEM's Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment confirmed the sighting on Aug. 19 and is asking the public to report any suspected sightings here. The DEM will conduct an extensive survey of the area based on USDA recommendations to determine if there is any further presence of the invasive insect, and will provide outreach materials to businesses in the area.

"In Rhode Island, we have about 69,000 acres of agricultural lands with many of those lands at risk of being infested with SLF including vineyards, orchards, berry crops, and nursery stock," said Senior Environmental Planner Cynthia Kwolek . "It's critical that we take the necessary steps to detect and stop the spread of this invasive pest, particularly since it has now been found in our state."

If you think you see a spotted lanternfly, DEM officials recommend doing the following:

• Take a photo
• Kill the insect
• Collect a specimen
• Report it here.