Officials Say New Yorkers Should Be On The Lookout For Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York state officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for an invasive insect called the spotted lanternfly.

State environmental and agricultural officials say the spotted lanternfly has the potential to harm New York's forests and farms. The invasive pest from Asia feeds on more than 70 plant species, including maples, apple trees, grapevine and hops.

Adults resemble colorful moths and begin to appear in July.

The insect was found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Efforts to detect the spotted lanternfly increased in New York after a dead adult was found in in the state last fall.

State officials are asking people who see the pest to send pictures and note the location of the sighting. Information can be sent to spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov.

The insects are native to China, India and Vietnam.

Hatching begins in May, then the feeding frenzy begins.

If you see their eggs, contact an arborist or get rid of them yourself. Just scrape them off into a plastic baggie and douse them with rubbing alcohol.