The Town of West Seneca is asking residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species and a threat to fruit crops and trees. West Seneca officials posted on their Facebook page that one was recently spotted in the town near Sunshine Park.
According to the USDA the pest was first detected in the US in Pennsylvania, in 2014. They say the insect feeds on fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with the tree-of-heaven being one of their preferred hosts.
If the insect spreads in the US, it could damage grape, orchard, and logging industries. If you spot one, you should notify the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Source: wgrz.com