Spotted lanternflies can be beautiful. But they are dangerous.
The invasive species was even one The New York Times warned people to kill on sight.
But why? Where did spotted lanternflies come from, and why are they so dangerous to plants around the U.S.?
Here's what you need to know.
Where did they come from?
The invasive species is native to Asia, but first appeared in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, likely brought over by imported woody plants, wood products and other goods.
Established populations have so far been found in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia.
What do spotted lanternflies look like?
An adult spotted lanternfly is around one inch long and half an inch wide. They're typically grey, with black spots, and hind wings with contrasting patches of red and black with a white band.
Their legs and head are black and their abdomens are yellow with broad black bands.
Have spotted lanternflies been found in Ohio?
Spotted lanternflies made landfall in Eastern Ohio in 2020 in Mingo Junction. No egg masses were found, meaning they were not established.
Since then, they have also been spotted at two different sites just east of Cleveland in August. Railroad lines are present at both locations, and it's been speculated that they may have traveled to Ohio from Pennsylvania via train.
More:Spotted lanternfly makes landfall in Ohio; officials urge vigilance
Gardening: How worried should you be about spotted lanternflies and armyworms? What to know
Why are spotted lanternflies bad?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the spotted lanternfly can cause damage including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback to trees, crops, vines and other kinds of plants.
When spotted lanternflies feed they excrete honeydew, a sugary substance that can encourage the growth of sooty black mold, which is harmless to people but can cause damage to plants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says spotted lanternflies decimate almonds, apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches, grapes and hops, as well as hardwoods such as oak, walnut and poplar.
Research has shown the insect likely will find Ohio's weather ideal and become established.
How to check for spotted lanternflies
The USDA recommends to check outdoor items for spotted lanternfly egg masses, including any items you may bring indoors during the winter. If you find egg masses. scrape them into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer, then zip the bag shut and properly dispose of it.
Look for egg masses on smooth surfaces, particularly trees, bricks and stone.
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