There have been two identified cases of the invasive spotted lanternfly this month in Michigan.
Three adult flies were found dead in Kent and Wayne counties.
Over the summer, state officials warned Michigan residents about the spotted lanternfly, they said the invasive species has potential to damage more than 70 crops including grapes, hops and apples.
According to the state, there is no evidence of established populations yet in Michigan.
Communications Coordinator, Joanne Foreman with the Michigan Invasive Species Program said Ohio is one of the most recent states with infestations of the insect.
"It’s getting closer and we know that the insects themselves don’t fly very far," Foreman said. "The way they’re going to get into Michigan, if they do is by transport either by adults being transported or by egg masses."
Foreman said it's important for delivery drivers, warehouse workers and freight carriers to beware of the species.
Adult flies are about one-inch long with gray and brown wings spotted black. Egg masses look like old chewing gum with a gray, wavy coating.
The lycorma delicatula, better known as spotted lanternfly, was first found in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania. Since, infestations have been confirmed in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, Connecticut and Ohio.
The Michigan Invasive Species Program encourages people to report this species to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by email at MDA-Info@michigan.gov or by phone. The MDARD Customer Service Center can be reached at 800-292-3939.
"If you see suspect adult or immature spotted lanternflies take pictures if possible, record the location, try to collect them in a container and report it," the program said on their website. "If you see suspect egg masses or other signs and symptoms, do not disturb them."
