The invader known as the spotted lanternfly was confirmed to be in the state by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell in a press release issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Thursday.
McDowell explained a small population of the bug was found in Pontiac in Oakland County last week with the United States Department of Agriculture confirming the finding on Wednesday. The bug can damage or kill more than 70 different types of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.
Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD said in a July 20 statement: "With its ability to wreak havoc on grapes, apples, hops, stone fruits and more, this could be devastating to Michigan’s farmers and the state’s food and agriculture industry.”
Source: ourmidland.com