Kansas 4-H Entomology Member Makes Discovery of Invasive Species

A spotted lanternfly, shown at a Pennsylvania vineyard, appeared in a boy’s bug collection at the Kansas State Fair. The invasive insect, not previously known to be in Kansas, can damage trees and crops. (Matt Rourke/AP)

A 4-H member in northwestern Kansas discovered an invasive species as part of his entomology project.

“It’s the excitement of a kid learning about their world, putting it on display, and sure enough, they discovered something that adults were like, ‘Wow, this is really important for us to be aware of. He has alerted us to a threat we weren’t aware of, and we’re really thankful.”

Read the article here.