REPORT A SIGHTING — Anyone who spots the insect known as the spotted lanternfly fourth instar nymph should contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6400 or through the website https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf. Jefferson County and portions of Pennsylvania are under a spotted lanternfly quarantine, according to those at the Ohio State University. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Insects most people are not familiar with — the spotted lanternfly fourth instar nymphs are out and about. And if they are not already here, the adults will be emerging in the near future.

Jefferson County is under a spotted lanternfly quarantine, as are counties in portions of Pennsylvania.

While nymphs (meaning immature) do not fly, they are excellent jumpers. They can be transported from one location to another by clinging to vehicles or equipment as well as to people.

Lanternflies are primarily seen on tree-of-heaven. They are known to feed on sap from a variety of other plants, including crops such as grapes and hops. This feeding activity results in sap weeping down tree trunks, ultimately attracting sooty mold. The exposed sap brings in hornets, yellow jackets, flies and ants.

The fourth final in-star is small. It is black and red in color and has white spots across its body. They will jump when disturbed. Adult insects have underwings that are a brilliant red color when exposed, although most of the time, wings will be hidden under the forewings, resulting in a pinkish coloration.

The forewings have large, black spots two-thirds of the way down with the final third covered in smaller, rectangular spots. Adults are approximately one inch in length and about a half-inch wide with wings folded. The width can reach two inches when the wings are spread.

Any suspected sighting of the spotted lanternfly should be reported immediately to the Ohio Department of Agriculture by calling (614) 728-6400 or by visiting https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf. Complete the online form and upload photos of the insect for verification. If traveling through a county known to have a spotted lanternfly infestation, make sure to check vehicles for any “hitchhikers.” To learn more, visit https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-83.