Why the spotted lanternfly is invading the Philadelphia region
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species from Asia that recently showed up in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and poses big problems for farmers.
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A spotted lanternfly lands on tthe sidewalk in Allentown, Pa. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects from Asia that recently showed up in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, including in Philadelphia and the four surrounding counties. They hatch in the spring and will be more visible in the summer. Not only are these pests annoying — they also pose big problems for farmers because they eat vineyards and fruit trees, and have no known predator in the United States. Why is the bug here and why are we struggling to stop it? StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Susan Phillips explains on this episode of The Why.
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