So many lanternflies are spreading across the East Coast they are being picked up by radar
Invasive insect species is so prevalent in US it’s showing up on flight radar
- A massive swarm of spotted lanternflies was detected on weather radar across the East Coast, including D.C., Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, on Thursday.
- These insects, originating from South East Asia, are highly invasive and pose a significant threat to agricultural crops.
- Meteorologists confirmed the radar readings were due to insects, not weather, by analysing reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and velocity data, which showed characteristics inconsistent with rain.
- The species spreads rapidly due to its ability to lay eggs in diverse environments and its capacity to travel long distances by riding air currents up to 3,000 feet.
- Maryland's Department of Natural Resources issued guidance advising against harmful pesticides, instead recommending the use of circle traps and urging caution to avoid harming similar-looking, harmless insects.