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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) technicians are working with state and local partners; businesses and residents to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly* a destructive insect that feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental, and hardwood trees, including grapes, apples, walnut, and oak; a serious threat to the United States' agriculture and natural resources, such as in Reading, Pennsylvania, on
Lance Cheung/USDA Photo by Lance Cheung / USDA Office of CommunicationsAn invasive insect that feeds on grapevines, hops, and several kinds of trees has spread to more counties in northern Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said the spotted lanternfly has now entered Elkhart, Porter and St. Joseph counties.
The pest poses a threat to wineries and orchards in Indiana and across the country.
It was first found in Switzerland County in southern Indiana in 2021 and was confirmed in Huntington County last year.
READ MORE: Invasive insect that harms wine grapes, fruit trees spotted in Indiana
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It’s possible the spotted lanternflies are spreading in Indiana by hitching a ride on train cars. The DNR said they were found by rail lines in this latest sighting as well as sightings in Chicago and major cities in Ohio.
If you see a spotted lanternfly, contact the DNR at 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or email the agency at DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.
Rebecca is our energy and environment reporter. Contact her at rthiele@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @beckythiele.
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