Potential spotted lanternfly sighting spurs state investigation

• The insects have spread widely on the East Coast, and a Pennsylvania study found that, if left unchecked, they could cost the state hundreds of millions per year.

The latest: Earlier this month, a user posted a picture of a small black bug with white dots on its back to a nature observation site.

• The critter was spotted May 9 at Colonel Summers Park near SE 20th and Belmont.
• That prompted the Oregon Department of Agriculture to conduct visual surveys, which turned up no signs of the bug, spokesperson Andrea Cantu-Schomus told Axios.

What they're saying: "Spotted lanternfly is not considered to be present in Oregon," Cantu-Schomus said.

• Yes, but: The state has intercepted several dead adults and an egg mass so "Oregon is at risk of having (spotted lanternfly) introduced."

Be smart: If you think you might have seen a lanternfly, take a picture and report it to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline, either online or by calling 1-866-INVADER.