In this Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, photo, Heather Leach, an entomologist who does lanternfly outreach at Penn State Extension inspect grape vines in Kutztown, Pa. The spotted lanternfly has emerged as a serious pest since the federal government confirmed its arrival in southeastern Pennsylvania five years ago this week.
In this Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, photo, Heather Leach, an entomologist who does lanternfly outreach at Penn State Extension inspect grape vines in Kutztown, Pa. The spotted lanternfly has emerged as a serious pest since the federal government confirmed its arrival in southeastern Pennsylvania five years ago this week.
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The insect is known to feed on over 70 species of plants so the potential economic and environmental impact could be severe. While the ultimate consequence of the infestation is not yet known, entomologists and agricultural agencies are monitoring the situation closely.