The Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture are shining the spotlight on an invasive insect species that has shown up in both Albany and Yates Counties.

Proliferation of the spotted lanternfly, a native of India, could foster damaging effects on New York's native biodiversity and agriculture industry, as the the bug preys on apple and maple trees, grapes and hops among other flora.

State agencies urge sightings to be reported to spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov.

Botanist Daniel Atha is the Director of Conservation Outreach at the New York Botanical Garden.