Spotted lanternfly, a crop-killing pest, is hitchhiking and hopping its way to Michigan

(Detroit Free Press) A small, winged pest some people evenithink is pretty is getting a lot of attention online, as agriculture and natural resource experts warn that it can do considerable damage to grapes and, once established, is difficult to kill.

Lycorma delicatula — better known as the dreaded spotted lanternfly — made its way from Asia to the United States at least a decade ago, and agriculture officials now fear it's slowly making its way to Michigan and other states.



"It's a pest we are concerned about in the state of Michigan," said Robert Miller, an invasive species expert with the state's agriculture department. "We are asking the public to be on the lookout and to report it if they think they see it. I can't say if and when it will arrive. But I think there's a possibility we'll see it eventually."

In the meantime, the internet is turning the insect into an evil Mothra.

In the last few days, there have been multiple online reports and warnings. Many, if not most, of the headlines, invoke the language of violence and death. CBS: "There's a beautiful spotted insect flying across the U.S. — and officials want you to kill it." The New York Times: "Die, Beautiful Spotted Lanternfly, Die" .............(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/09/25/spotted-lanternfly-michigan/5847654001/