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For Journalists, Researchers & Content Creators

PRESS &MEDIA

Journalists, researchers, and content creators — here's everything you need to cover the spotted lanternfly crisis.

press@lanternflywatch.com

Story angles

Pre-Packaged Pitches

Each angle comes with data, visuals, and a quote on request. Email press@lanternflywatch.com to request supporting material.

"The bug that's already in your backyard"

SLF confirmed in 20+ states. Your readers almost certainly have SLF nearby. We can provide county-level confirmation data and a quote.

"How citizen science is fighting the invasion"

Our community has logged thousands of sightings. Real data from real people. We have maps, trends, and member stories.

"The wine, hops, and orchard industry under siege"

$50B+ in US agricultural exposure. Grape, hop, and stone fruit growers are on the front lines. We can connect you with affected growers.

"Tree of Heaven: the invasive that's feeding the invasion"

Ailanthus altissima is everywhere in American cities and it's SLF's primary host. The story of two invasives compounding each other.

Fast facts

Numbers You Can Use

20+

states with confirmed SLF populations

$50B+

annual agricultural exposure

2014

year of first US detection (Berks County, PA)

30–50

eggs per egg mass

1

generation per year (egg masses persist all winter)

15+

host plant species affected

Who we are

About Lanternfly Watch

Lanternfly Watch is an independent civic platform built to connect citizens with the tools and information they need to fight the spotted lanternfly invasion. We track community sightings, provide GDD-based season forecasts, and publish state-by-state impact guides. We are not affiliated with any government agency.

Expert contacts

Resources That Have Spoken to Media

These are independent organizations and researchers — not affiliated with Lanternfly Watch — who have expertise in SLF and a track record of media engagement.

USDA APHISPrimary federal coordination
aphis.usda.gov/lanternfly
Penn State ExtensionLeading research institution
extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
Virginia Cooperative ExtensionEric Day
insectidlab@vt.edu
Maryland Master GardenersStephanie Mathias
mathias@umd.edu

Downloads

Brand Assets

Additional assets available on request — email press@lanternflywatch.com

Get in touch

Covering SLF?
We'd Love to Help.

We respond to media inquiries within 24 hours during the active season (April–November). We can provide data, quotes, maps, and connections to affected growers or community members.

press@lanternflywatch.com