Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found In Warwick: RIDEM

WARWICK, RI —An "exotic pest that targets various plants and trees" has been detected for the first time in the Ocean State.

A single Spotted Lanternfly was recently found in an industrial/commercial area in Warwick near Jefferson Boulevard, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced.

The insect is a native of China, and it is commonly associated with "Tree of Heaven" plants. But the bugs can cause great damage to fruit trees, ornamental trees, oak, walnut, poplar and grapes.

Anyone who comes across a Spotted Lanternfly is asked to take a picture and contact the DEM.

The person who found the lanternfly in Warwick sent a photo to the DEM through its agricultural pest alert system, and the agency confirmed the sighting on August 2.

RIDEM is also interested in hearing about any sightings of the Asian Longhorned Beetle or the Emerald Ash Borer.