San Francisco Frontiers - Hungary detects invasive spotted lanternfly for first time in EU

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), native to Southeast Asia, can grow up to 2.5 centimetres (one inch) long, spreads rapidly, and is considered a serious threat to grapevines, fruit trees and other crops.

Heavy infestations weaken plants and can lead to the spread of diseases and other pests.

The bug was found in Hungary's southern Bacs-Kiskun county, which borders Serbia, food safety agency Nebih said in a statement.

"This is the first confirmed detection of this insect -- which is classified as a quarantine pest by the EU -- in Hungary and the European Union," it said.

The agency was alerted to the insect's presence by a resident, who could not recognise the species.

"Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed the presence of the pest, and the authorities therefore began implementing the necessary quarantine measures," the agency added.

Nebih stressed public vigilance and early reporting would be key to preventing the pest's establishment and spread.

The insect was first detected in the United States in 2014, in Pennsylvania. An egg mass was found in a shipment of stone from China, according to experts who have tracked its progress.

In 2020, a Penn State study indicated the insect was responsible for $554 million in annual losses, and the disappearance of nearly 5,000 jobs a year in Pennsylvania.

H.Davis--SFF