Watch Out For Grape, Apple Crop-Eating Spotted Lanternflies In RI: DEM

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has asked residents to be on the lookout for spotted lanternflies, an invasive species of insect.

State officials said they received credible reports of the spotted lanternfly. The most recent was in Smithfield. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper insect that was introduced into the United States in 2014.

Native to China, this pest is associated with the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can also cause significant damage to grape, apple, stone fruits, and walnut plants.

Adult spotted lanternflies are about an inch long and are active from August until the first hard freeze, which typically happen in late October into November.

In addition to its spotted patterning, the adult spotted lanternflies have scarlet underwings, yellow markings on the abdomen, and tan semi-transparent forewings.

DEM officials said specifically to be on the lookout for the invasive insects in the North Providence, Lincoln and Smithfield areas. If you think you see a spotted lanternfly, DEM officials recommend doing the following:

• Take a photo
• Kill the insect
• Collect a specimen
• Report it here.