WHAT IS THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY? Since being seen in Pennsylvania in 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly can now be found in 14 states, including New York. Additionally, the expanding hops industry and the maple and timber industries would also be negatively impacted by the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly. Officials in New York are urging people who see a Spotted Lanternfly to kill it immediately. You should also report the Spotted Lanternfly to the New York State Department of Agriculture.