In an email to town officials, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed an infestation of spotted lanternflies was present in Hopkinton.

Survey teams spotted the invasive insects during a recent field survey. Jennifer Forman, an environmental biologist with MDAR, reported in the email that the team conducted its survey based on reports filed by residents.

Forman went on to note that MDAR workers and officials from the United States Department of Agriculture will be surveying parts of town over the next several weeks. They will continue monitoring throughout the fall and winter to determine the extent of the lanternfly infestation.

The spotted lanternflly is an invasive, plant-hopping insect from Asia that feeds on a variety of plants. Its preferred food source is tree-of-heaven (which also is invasive), but it is known to feed on grapevines, maple trees and hops vines as well.

Lanternflies can disrupt “agricultural commodities” and outdoor recreation depending on the severity of the infestation. Their waste product — a sugary, sticky excretion known as honeydew — can be a danger to the plants they feed on, as it encourages mold growth and feeding by other harmful insects.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly and report any sightings to MDAR. Residents can get more information on this invasive species and access the online reporting form at massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html.