Experts in the Media – UMW entomologist is the go-to expert on the Spotted Lanternfly

Move over cicadas. Spotted Lanternflies are now in the spotlight, hitchhiking across America. The invasive species, which came via cargo from Asia, are now wreaking havoc through the East Coast. 

Just this week, University of Mary Washington Assistant Professor of Biology Josephine Antwi, whose research focuses on the effects that pests have on crops of economic importance, was interviewed by The Washington Post about the potential devastation these bugs can have on trees and agricultural crops like apples, grapes, stone fruits and hop plants. The New York Times and USA Today have also published stories about the insects. 

Despite having wings, the adults don’t fly far. The bugs are often spread by vehicles. Residents in quarantined counties are urged to inspect vehicles and goods for transport to ensure that the insects and their egg masses are not hitching a ride.

“If females lay eggs on a substrate that eventually moves (e.g., automobiles or goods), then they quickly spread that way,” Josephine Antwi ... wrote in an email.

If you're writing about the Spotted Lanternfly, Dr. Antwi is available to speak with media; simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.