An invasive and damaging bug called the Spotted Lanternfly, originally from China and India, has been detected in Greenwich and West Haven.
Doctor Victoria Smith is the Deputy State Entomologist for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and says the Lanternfly is highly destructive to farm crops, trees and soft fruits.
“The Spotted Lanternfly it can be very devastating on wine grapes. There have been reports out of Pennsylvania that spotted lanternfly can kill an established vineyard in about two years. And that’s very concerning as we have a very vibrant and upcoming wine industry here in the state,” Smith said.
The Lanternfly has no natural predator and has already established itself in New Jersey, New York and Delaware.
The State is asking the public to help them monitor and report the Lanternfly by sending a photo and information to the email address – ReportSLF@ct.gov.
