The article warns about the invasive lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), which was first spotted in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. Native to China, this insect causes significant damage to agriculture and ecosystems by feeding on plant sap, weakening trees and promoting the growth of harmful sooty mold. Adults are about an inch long with gray wings, black spots, and red underwings, while nymphs start black with white spots and turn red as they mature. To combat this pest, people are advised to immediately squash adults and nymphs and destroy egg masses by scraping them into a bag with alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Prompt action is essential to minimize further environmental harm.
