MILFORD, Conn. — As temperatures start to turn, Connecticut residents may have noticed a particular bug sticking around… the spotted lanternfly.
Scientists in the state are predicting the invasive species is here to stay.
“Spotted lanternflies were first picked up in 2021, 2022 here in Connecticut at truck stops along I-95,” said Dr. Gale Ridge, associate scientist with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Ridge says the insects originated from Southeast Asia, first making their way to Pennsylvania about eight years ago. Now, with the help of transportation like trains, buses, cars and trucks, they’re making their way around.
Now, she said she’s getting the most reports in Milford, and in Fairfield County, along the state’s major highways.
“The females will lay their eggs on anything; vehicles, houses, any structure,” Dr. Ridge said.
So, how does one spot a spotted lantern fly? Ridge describes the distinct look of the insect.
“The first to third stage nymphs are black and then the fourth one is bright red with spots, and then you have the adults, which are sort of an earthy tone, grayish tone on the upper wings, but its hind wings are brilliantly red,” Ridge said.
Ridge says right now, the insects are laying their eggs across the state. Those eggs will lay dormant throughout winter and hatch in early May. The adult insects, however, won’t make it through the winter frost.
Ridge says the insects normally survive no longer than a year. The eggs can be spotted, Ridge says, as an almost dirt-like patch on the surface.
While the insects are not harmful to humans, they can be harmful to certain plants and trees. Ridge says they particularly like to hang out in Trees of Heaven, often found along highways and railroads. Those trees in particular, she says, are also invasive and should be cut down, making sure to remove and kill all roots.
As for plants at risk? Dr. Ridge says grapes are at the top of the list.
“They are a particular concern to the grape industry because they’re very fond of grapes. And grapes will be stressed because these are insects that have piercing sucking mouth parts so they’re drawing fluids from the plants, and grapes can’t tolerate competition for nutrition. And so, if they can’t have enough energy to enter into the winter, they’ll freeze and die,” Ridge said.
While the insects populate at a rapid pace, Ridge says that’ll only increase each year, for now.
“Sadly enough, it’s going to go up. Until native predators, parasites and fungi, begin to figure out there’s a new food source. And then they will start to kick in and start to go after them,” Ridge said.
Until then, Ridge says not to worry, as most of the plants in people’s homes and yard will not be affected.
But do these insects bring anything to the table?
“Nope, they’re just another pest in the arsenal. There’s nothing particularly good. Until they become somebody’s food source,” Ridge said.
When the insects first came to the state, scientists were asking people to report sightings to the lab. However, at this point, Ridge said there’s no need for that with so many living among us now.
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Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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