The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species native to Asia, may be on its way to Michigan. The bug was discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, and appears to be spreading, reports the Associated Press.
Spotted lanternflies are about an inch in length, with brown spotted wings, accented with reds and yellows near the thorax. They feed on sap from local vegetation, and excrete honeydew, which attracts other insects such as wasps and deprives plants of vital nutrients. Lanternflies target grapes and tree fruits, both major staples of Michigan agriculture.
Researchers are attempting to prevent spotted lanternflies from entering the Great Lakes region, but warn they may soon pose a threat to Michigan farms and vineyards.
Read more about the spotted lanternfly here.
.