This is a photo of an adult winged SLF-spotted lanternfly (lycorma delicatula) taken in Pennsylvania in 2018. The flies are hatching and officials urge county residents to kill them. USDA-ARS photo

Stephen Ausmus

The spotted lanternfly may sound like a harmless creature to those not in the know, but state and government agencies are warning Pennsylvania residents not to be fooled.

The species, which has been spotted in at least nine states including Pennsylvania, is considered a threat to local vegetation that feeds on all kinds of plants and trees. Spotted lanternflies are under quarantine in 34 Pennsylvania counties, including Butler County, which was added to the list in March.

Plantkeepers and farmers across the state are told to be on guard, as hatching season for the spotted lanternfly has just begun. The species typically lays its eggs during the fall, and those eggs usually hatch during the springtime.