New York officials confirmed Wednesday that a certain invasive insect has been found in the state for the first time.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets confirmed that the spotted lanternfly had been found earlier in November at a facility in Delaware County. It is thought to have arrived on an interstate shipment and the insect was dead when it was discovered. The spotted lanternfly, which is native to Asia, has also been discovered in Pennsylvania and Delaware. The insect is a potential threat to several agricultural crops in New York, including grapes, apples, hops and forest products. State officials will conduct educational outreach to producers of these crops and target inspections of warehouse facilities this winter.
