Spotted Lanternfly Caught Outside a Salem Wine Bar

Last weekend, a buzzing visitor that most people would mistake for a decorative beetle made an unwelcome appearance outside a small wine bar in Salem, New Hampshire. Mike Appolo, the proprietor, was tending to his indoor grape vines when the insect swooped down, settled on the wall, and essentially announced its presence.

“It was about an inch and a half long, bright with mottled wings, and it just landed right in front of me,” Appolo recalled, laughing nervously. “You could tell right away it was a spotted lanternfly – they’re hard to miss.”

Instead of letting the critter fly away, Appolo swiftly grabbed a nearby beer glass, coaxed the bug inside, snapped a few photos for proof, and then—after a brief moment of hesitation—ended its brief stay with a swift press of a paper towel.

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) isn’t native to North America. Originally hailing from Asia, the planthopper has marched across more than a dozen states since it first arrived in the United States in 2014. While its vivid coloration can be oddly attractive, the insect is notorious for wreaking havoc on grapevines, fruit trees, and a variety of hardwoods.

In New Hampshire, the first official sightings were recorded just a month ago in the town of Salem. Since then, state agricultural officials have been on high alert, setting up traps in vineyards across the region, including in Derry where Appolo’s larger grape‑planting operation sits.

“If these bugs start feeding on our vines, we could see lower sugar levels in the fruit, delayed ripening, and generally weaker vines,” explained a representative from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture. “It’s not just an aesthetic problem—there are real economic stakes for our growers.”

Appolo, who also runs a modest vineyard in Derry, shared that he’s already been in touch with other vineyard owners across the state. “They’re understandably uneasy. It looks pretty, but it’s a serious threat,” he said. “We’ve all been keeping an eye out and reporting any sightings to the department.”

Fortunately, the department confirmed there’s still no evidence of an established population in Derry or the surrounding areas. However, they stress that early detection and rapid reporting are crucial to preventing a wider infestation.

For anyone who thinks they’ve spotted the lanternfly, the state provides a simple online reporting form. A quick photo and location can help officials act fast, possibly deploying more traps or advising nearby growers on protective measures.

The incident at the Salem wine bar serves as a vivid reminder that invasive species can show up in the most unexpected places—right at the bar where you might be enjoying a glass of Pinot. It’s also a call to the community to stay vigilant and lend a hand (or a glass) to protect the state’s budding wine industry.