The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is asking residents to watch for the spotted lanternfly, a colorful but destructive invasive insect that threatens Iowa’s crops and trees.
Native to Asia, the pest was first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has now spread to nearly 20 states, often hitchhiking on infested materials or egg masses.
In September, an adult spotted lanternfly was found in Des Moines County near an industrial area with heavy truck traffic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the insect’s identity, though state surveys found no signs of an infestation. Officials believe it may have arrived on an out-of-state shipment.
The lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes and fruit trees, and thrives on the “tree of heaven,” which is common in Iowa.
Suspected sightings should be reported to the IDALS Entomology and Plant Science Bureau at 515-725-1470 or Entomology@IowaAgriculture.gov, or through local ISU Extension offices.
