An invasive insect has now been spotted in more than 50 cities and communities across nine counties in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) reports that the spotted lanternfly is expanding. Many sightings have taken place this summer in central and western Massachusetts.
While the insect is not harmful to people or pets, it is significantly detrimental to grape vines, young trees, small saplings of black walnut, and the tree of heaven. At this time of year, MDAR said the insects can be identified by their gray wings with black spots and a red set of underwings.
“We get there are a lot of people frustrated, especially in the greater Worcester area. There are a lot of residents that are seeing a lot of lanternflies at their homes and businesses,” said MDAR environmental biologist Jennifer Forman Orth, in a statement shared with Spectrum News 1…