Why Scientists Want You to Kill Spotted Lanternflies

As invasive spotted lanternflies continue moving through the United States, local agricultural agencies have launched “If you see it, kill it” campaigns urging people to kill the bugs in order to prevent any further spread across the U.S. In response to the proliferating insect, earlier this week Senator Chuck Schumer (D., NY) called for $22 million more in funding for a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that targets invasive species; these are species that aren’t native to an area and can quickly become overpopulated, wreaking havoc on their new environment. “We need to stomp out this bug before it spreads, otherwise our farmers and local businesses could face millions in damage and an unmanageable swarm,” he said in a statement. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] The spotted lanternfly is neither a moth nor a fly but a “planthopper.” It’s part of the same category of insects to which cicadas and aphids belong. About an inch long, their black-spotted, light-brown wings make them easy to find. Here’s what to know about the spotted lanternfly spread and why scientists are encouraging people to kill any they might see. Spotted lanternflies are spreading across the country Native to parts of southeast Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first spotted in the U.S. in 2014, in Berks County, Pa., but not much was known about its potential impact at the time. “We knew very little about it in 2014, because it w...
Source: TIME: Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Uncategorized animals healthscienceclimate Source Type: news