HARRISBURG, PA — An invasive insect new to the United States that has the potential to impact grape vines, fruit trees and the hardwood industries has been discovered in Berks County, prompting the immediate quarantine of two townships.

The spotted lanternfly, an inch-long black, red and white spotted pest, is native to China, India, Japan and Vietnam. It’s an invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant species that also grow in Pennsylvania.

“Since this is new to the country we are taking every precaution possible,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Help us by looking for adult insects and their egg clusters on your trees, cars, outside furniture—any flat surface that the eggs may be attached to.”

The spotted lanternfly attacks grapes, apples, pines and stone fruits. It often attaches to the bark of Tree of Heaven—sometimes referred to as Paradise Tree—an invasive species similar to sumac that can be found around parking lots or along tree lines. Adults often cluster in groups and lay egg masses containing 30 to 50 eggs that adhere to flat surfaces including tree bark. Freshly laid egg masses have a grey waxy mud-like coating, while hatched eggs appear as brownish seedlike deposits in four to seven columns about an inch long. Trees attacked by the spotted lanternfly will show a grey or black trail of sap down the trunk.

The general quarantine of the two townships restricts movement of any material or object that can spread the pest. This includes firewood or wood products; brush or yard waste; remodeling or construction materials and waste; packing material like boxes; grapevines for decorative purposes or as nursery stock; and any outdoor household articles like lawnmowers.