'See it. Squish it. Report it.' DNR says now is the time to look for the invasive spotted lanternfly in Michigan

(WWJ) If you see one of these colorful bugs, don't hesitate to squish it.

Really.

That's the word from the Michigan Department of Natural Resource, which is asking the public to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly — an invasive species with the potential to seriously impact the state's agriculture and natural resources.

With that in mind, the Michigan Invasive Species Program’s is promoting a new campaign — “See it. Squish it. Report it" — nothing that late summer to early fall is the prime time to spot this insect in our state.

“If you see a spotted lanternfly, yes, we really do want you to squish it if you can. Then, take a photo or two and report it to us through the online Eyes in the Field reporting system,” said Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist. “It’s important to get to know what the spotted lanternfly looks like, though, because we don’t want to target harmless native insects with pretty wings.”

So, why kill them? MDARD says this destructive insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees in Michigan.

"We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan,” Miller said. “Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”

The spotted lanternfly spreads to new locations by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and equipment that have traveled through infested areas. If you are returning from out of state, the DNR says it’s important to look for and destroy spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses that may be hiding on cars, trailers, firewood, camping gear or anything that’s been outside.

Currently, the DNR says there is only one confirmed population of spotted lanternflies in Michigan. The infested site, a county-owned parcel in Pontiac, is being carefully managed, with surveys in August find no evidence of spotted lanternfly spreading beyond the site.

Take a few minutes to become familiar with spotted lanternfly life stages.

Adults are roughly 1 inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots, transitioning to black and white bands at the edge. Most visible August through October. Egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Most visible September through May. Nymphs are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long. They are wingless and beetle-like, first appearing black with white spots and developing red patches as they mature. Most visible May through September.

Several native moth species have red underwings, but their upper wings are striped or mottled. Some insects have spotted wings that are translucent or differ in color from spotted lanternfly adults. Common insects including boxelder bugs and red milkweed beetles have similar colors and patterns as spotted lanternfly nymphs, but their shapes are distinct.

To better identify spotted lanternfly life stages and rule out look-alikes, visit the spotted lanternfly look-alike page.