The spotted lanternfly is taking over parts of Ohio. Franklin County is among 12 counties in the state under quarantine for this non-native invasive insect. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website,

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — An invasive tiny red, black, and white insect is still taking over parts of the state. The insect has been found near major cities such as Columbus and Toledo, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. There are currently 12 counties in the state under quarantine for the non-native invasive insect.

They're about an inch long and half an inch wide with colorful wings and dark spots — and they're a growing threat to Ohio's ecosystem. Catch-up quick: Reports of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) invading the state have popped up over the past few weeks.

A spotted lanternfly was recently captured in a Grandview Heights neighborhood, prompting a reminder for people to remain vigilant against the invasive pest.

Dr. Michelle Duennes, an assistant professor of biology at Saint Vincent College, sees spotted lanternflies overstaying their welcome as a unique chance to study and record the spread of an invasive species. "To learn about how spotted lanternflies are dealing with this new environment and how they're changing in response to it," Duennes said.

Spotted lanternflies are still a pest in Western Pennsylvania, but populations are trending lower in certain regions. Sandy Feather works as a Penn State Extension educator in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

Ohio has issued quarantines in 12 counties, including four in Northeast Ohio, to stop the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF), a pest dangerous to agriculture and forests. The SLF can easily travel via various materials like firewood and outdoor equipment,

Researchers at Saint Vincent College want you to capture a spotted lanternfly if you see one and not kill it. Why? They want you to send it to them for a study.