Adult spotted lanternfly. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Experts said the pest’s eggs, which will hatch in spring, are able to withstand the recent arctic blast.

Spotted lanternfly adult (left) and nymphs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The first sighting of the invasive pest was confirmed in Chicago, but we’re years from a major infestation and have learned from cities like Pittsburgh how to minimize the nuisance, an expert said.

The spotted lanternfly threatens grape, apple, pear, cherry and hop plants and trees, among others. (Chesapeake Bay Program / Flickr)

The spotted lanternfly, oak wilt, gypsy moth and boxwood blight are among the latest threats in the plant world. And citizen scientists have a role to play when it comes to stopping the next plague.