An Upper West Sider spotted and photographed this weird looking (but kind of beautiful) insect on their 18th floor terrace in the West 90s:
The local resident believes it’s a spotted lanternfly (SLF), and after doing a Google image search for “spotted lanternfly,” that’s certainly what it seems to be. Though we haven’t found a single report of these being “spotted” in Manhattan.
Advertisement
Recent news reports state that spotted lanternflies have been aggressively invading New Jersey, and eight NJ counties are actually under a quarantine as a result of their widespread presence. Residents are encouraged to destroy them at first sight, as they can potentially kill trees, plants and crops.
More Animals + Animal Sightings
The invasive bugs hail from China, India and Vietnam. They were first seen in Pennsylvania in 2014 and have since spread to other states including Maryland, Delaware, Virginia – and New York.
According to New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the state’s first SLF sighting took place in Staten Island during August 2020.
Read More: Spotted Lanternflies are EVERYWHERE
According to New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, spotted lanternflies have since made trips upstate to Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, and Ithaca. (We’ve reached out to this agency to confirm that the photo above is in fact of the same species).
While the agencies above didn’t include this incident, NBC New York reported in September 2019 that a cargo ship off of Brooklyn had been put under quarantine after being infested with the bugs.
Advertisement
The Department of Agriculture and Markets says that the SLF “can be transported on outdoor goods and equipment” and “can also hitchhike in vehicles.”
Trending: New Dessert Spot Opening this Month
If you see something which you believe to be a spotted lanternfly:
- Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestation. Include something in the photograph for scale, such as a coin or pen.
- Collect the insect and place it in a freezer or a jar with rubbing alcohol/hand sanitizer.
- Note the location (address, intersecting roads, or GPS coordinates), shipping information, and any other relevant information.
- Email the information to: spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov
I have found 4 of these n the last two days in downtown manhattan
They are everywhere in Manhattan now. I posted in a few FB groups today and the alarmed and anecdotal evidence I received from folks was jaw dropping. “All over Governor’s Island,” “huge swarm of them outside building at 73rd and Amsterdam today at 4:30,” “several on my terrace,” and I, personally, have now seen 3. Two on our terrace and one that I killed in Central Park *this morning.* This is going to be a big problem…saying a prayer for our sweet urban trees…doesn’t seem like City or DEC is doing anything. I reported the sightings to DEC and they basically said “thank you for reporting, our team has concluded their survey of Staten Island” etc. No mention of Manhattan or anywhere else.
Olivia, can you share your FB group post? After seeing this and reading it, I now think I saw one two days ago on my window which has an adjacent terrace/plants. I was on the couch watching the news and saw a big, big bug that I know I’d never seen before walking on the window. I grabbed a magazine and hit the window which was luckily shut because it was 100 degrees outside and the bug kind of dropped away. I’m on WEA in the 100’s. Urghhh, now killer lantern bugs? I can’t anymore…
We saw one of these in the financial district today! We thought it was interesting because we didn’t notice the red color until it was in flight.
Spotted a lot of them on Water Street today in FiDi
I saw two on Saturday – one dead, one alive that hopped over the railing and got away – on my terrace in Yorkville on the UES. Photographed and reported them to the Dept of Environmental Conservation. They responded today that they had complete their survey of Manhattan and were no longer collecting specimens, and said I should freeze, squish, and dispose of any that I had. Yes, they actually said “squish.”
Hi there – would it be possible to send us a photo of your UES sighting? We’d love to have this shared on our partner page @ eastsidefeed.com and a visual would be super helpful. If possible you can email info@www.ilovetheupperwestside.com. Thanks in advance either way!
They are all over Battery Park City also. I was with someone the other day when he squashed one
I hope someone reads this comment. I personally have dealt with the tens of thousands of Spotted Lanternflies in Pennsylvania. The best way to get rid of them is to destroy the tree that they are most attracted to: The Tree of Heaven. They love this tree and will flock to it.
The Tree of Heaven is all over New York City. If you have any weeds in your yard or alley, you most likely have a Tree of Heaven. It is an invasive tree that serves no purpose. The tree must be destroyed.
However, do not chop it down. In order to survive, the tree will sprout roots everywhere. The only way you should kill these trees is to poison them.
Please, New York, eradicate the Tree of Heaven and you will greatly reduce the Spotted Lanternfly population.
Spotted a fly today in green area at 170 west end ave and killed it .