Have you spotted the Spotted Lanternfly?

Have you spotted the Spotted Lanternfly?

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is investigating the possible presence of an invasive insect known as the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, “SLF”) in our area. As a precaution, surveys have begun in Northborough.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive sap-feeding insect from Asia that was first found in the United States in 2014, in the state of Pennsylvania. While the main host plant of this pest is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), SLF attacks a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, and has the potential to impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, including grapes and wine, apples, peaches, and maple syrup.

Learn more about this pest.

Please report any possible sightings of this pest and/or find additional resources on the Massachusetts Natural Resources Collaborations website or call 617-626-1779.