Subject: What’s this pretty bug?
Geographic location of the bug: Allentown PA
Date: 09/10/2017
Time: 10:35 AM EDT
I saw this beetle perched on a car bumper in a parking lot. As I got close to take the picture, the insect departed the number with an amazing vertical velocity! It’s leg joints look almost machine like. Is it a drone – lol? Appreciate your help identifying it!
How you want your letter signed: Tom M
Dear Tom,
This is an Invasive Exotic Spotted Lanternfly, a species recently introduced to North America from Asia. At this time, its spread has only been reported from Pennsylvania. According to BugGuide: “SIGHTING REPORTS WANTED: Experts are working to delimit the current population and find new infestations of this species. Please report sightings on the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture website. earliest NA record: PA 2014.”