The Spotted Lanternfly: A Beautiful Invader with a Destructive Appetite

The spotted lanternfly may look striking with its bold wings of red, black, and white and a body patterned with yellow bands and dark spots, but don’t be fooled. It's one of the most pressing invasive species threatening agriculture in the United States.In this episode of AgriCurious, Dennis sits down at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory with two experts from Penn State University: Dr. Julie Urban (Research Associate Professor) and Megan Luke (Extension Educator, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program). Together, they unpack the lanternfly’s origins, behavior, and its peculiar love for the “tree of heaven.” They also share what researchers are learning about its impact and how the fight to contain it is unfolding.After listening, please take 10 seconds to share your feedback at bit.ly/agricurious.