Tennessee Department of Agriculture officials say invasive insects first discovered in Pennsylvania nearly a decade ago is now in Tennessee.

Officials say the spotted lanternfly was located in Davidson County, Tennessee (Nashville).

The insect can spread long distances when people and vehicles move infested items containing egg masses.

Agriculture experts say the insect is harmful to a range of crops and natural resources in Tennessee. Wood products businesses and fruit growers could be especially vulnerable.

Adult spotted lanternflies emerge in late summer and early fall and are about one inch long and one-half inch wide with visually striking wings.

The spotted lanternfly prefers grape vines and fruit trees.

The insect can appear in trees including black walnut, maple, and yellow-poplar. Infested trees may exhibit wilting, defoliation, dieback, yield loss, and death in severe cases. The invasive species usually gathers in large numbers on host plants and lays eggs on the trunks and other flat surfaces.

The insect is approximately 1″ long and 1/2″ wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wing tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow

If you see a spotted lanternfly, officials say stomp the insect and destroy egg masses.