NEW HAVEN, CONN. (WTIC Radio)-The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has issued a quarantine for the Spotted Lanternfly,
as expanding populations have been discovered in 7 of 8 counties.
Dr. Victoria Smith, State Entomologist, said the brigthly-colored insect was first spotted in Pennsylvania, transported in rock pallets from overseas.
The invasive sap-feeding planthopper is native to China, India and Vietnam.
The Lanternfly loves grapes, maple trees and its excrement attracts bees and wasps and is a pest for exported plant material.
Smith said if you see the Lanternfly, smash it, take a picture and send it and details where it was discovered to the Experiment Station.
Smith said only commercial sprays are available to prevent its spread.
