spotted lanternfly

An environmental scientist said the bugs are ahead of schedule in New York, where peak levels could be reached this year.

While the little critters can certainly do damage to some crops, researchers now suggest the threat may have been slightly overhyped.

"Stomping on the lanternflies of course kills them, but it has a very small impact on their populations."

The messaging is clear, if you spot a Spotted Lanternfly you should squash it while shouting, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

The Spotted Lanternfly looks cheerful, is in fact out for tree blood.