The Most Beautiful Insect in Maine is Also the Most Dangerous

Isn't it funny how that works? It's always the pretty ones that are the most dangerous, aint' it? Oddly enough, just like humans, insects can share this same phenomenon.

Have you ever seen a moth and thought to yourself, "Oh, that's pretty looking for a moth"? That will be the exact case should you come across what's called a spotted lanternfly which, according to usatoday, is a dangerously invasive insect species that originated in Asia and found its way to the US.

What is a Spotted Lanternfly?

According to aphis.usda.gov,

"The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts.

 

Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. Juvenile spotted lanternflies, known as nymphs, and adults prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feed on a wide range of crops and plants, including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees".

Since we live in Maine surrounded by tons of nature and woodland, Maine is basically the perfect breading ground for these guys. That being said, these lantern flies are a huge threat to those of us who garden, those who grow their own crops, and so much more.

I'll leave you with this. Not everything that is beautiful is good for you.