Why are spotted lanternflies washing up along New Jersey beaches?

The Brief

Thousands of dead spotted lanternflies have washed up along the beach in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and other beaches along the shore.

The cause of this phenomenon is currently unknown.

Spotted lanternflies pose a threat to agricultural crops and hardwood trees.

Thousands of dead spotted lanternflies have mysteriously washed up on the shores of Sea Girt, New Jersey, and other beaches along the shore, creating a bizarre scene along the beach.

Spotted lanternflies line the shore

What we know:

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to New Jersey and other states, posing a threat to agricultural crops and hardwood trees. These insects feed on plant sap and can significantly stress and even kill