A nonnative invasive species was found in Indiana and is expected to make its way to Illinois.

Doug Gucker, Local Food Systems and Small Farms U of I Extension educator indicates the spotted lanternfly which first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014 was recently located in Indiana. He says this is concerning since it has not yet appeared in Ohio.

Gucker notes the lanternfly is easy to spot as it appears like a colorful moth. He says it is a concern because it feeds on 103 species of trees and can reproduce quickly.

Gucker says homeowners and landscapists should be on the lookout for the lanternfly as they will be the first to notice it. If you think you found one, Gucker says take a picture of it and show it to the Extension office.

You can learn more about the spotted lanternfly by visiting extension.illinois.edu.