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Daft 1

Climate change is intensifying the spread and impact of invasive insects in New York, particularly in urban and forest ecosystems. As winters become warmer, insects that would normally die off in colder temperatures are now able to survive and expand their range. Two major examples of this growing problem are the spotted lanternfly and the hemlock woolly adelgid, both of which have caused serious environmental damage across New York State. Through media coverage, scientific reports, and expert analysis, these insects are being presented to the public as a serious and ongoing threat that requires immediate attention.

In recent years, New York City has experienced a noticeable increase in spotted lanternflies. Originally from Asia, these invasive insects were first discovered in the United States in 2014 and have since spread rapidly through several states, including New York. In the summer and early fall, they can be seen in large numbers on sidewalks, buildings, trees, and public transportation areas. Although their colorful appearance may seem harmless, lanternflies feed on the sap of important trees such as maple, oak, and fruit trees. This weakens the plants and can eventually cause them to die. In a city where green spaces improve air quality and provide natural beauty, the destruction of trees is a serious concern.

CBS New York’s report, “Invasive Spotted Lanternflies Arrive in New York City,” uses visual images and expert commentary to make the public aware of the issue. The video shows lanternflies covering trees and outdoor surfaces, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy. This approach uses pathos, or emotional appeal, to encourage viewers to take action. Seeing the insects invade familiar city spaces makes the problem feel personal and urgent. The audience for this report is mainly New York residents, and the purpose is to warn them, raise awareness, and motivate them to help stop the spread.

In addition to lanternflies, another harmful insect affected by rising temperatures is the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). According to the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment, colder winter temperatures once limited the spread of this pest. However, “warmer winters… restraints on these pests’ survival and spread are weakening.” As a result, HWA has been able to move farther north than expected, killing large numbers of hemlock trees. The loss of these trees affects entire ecosystems, including streams, soil stability, and animal habitats such as those used by trout. This scientific report relies heavily on ethos, as it is supported by government research, environmental modeling, and expert surveillance data.

While the scientific report uses technical language meant for policymakers and resource managers, news sources like CBS and magazines such as NY Groove use simpler, more relatable language to reach the general public. These different rhetorical approaches all share the same message: climate change is making it easier for invasive species to survive and spread, and action must be taken. Interestingly, new findings also suggest that natural predators of the lanternfly may be developing or adapting, offering a possible long-term solution. However, relying only on nature is not enough, and human awareness and intervention are still necessary.

In conclusion, the spread of invasive insects like the spotted lanternfly and the hemlock woolly adelgid is a direct and visible sign of climate change in New York. Through a combination of scientific evidence, emotional appeal, and visual media, the public and government officials are being informed about the growing danger. These rhetorical strategies, though aimed at different audiences, all work together to communicate the urgency of protecting New York’s ecosystems before lasting damage is done.

Daft 2

 “Stomp stomp STOMP!  Squish squish SQUISH! is what the New York Times is promoting. As we face climate change. Right here in the city of New York the infestations have been outrageous. From seeing Lanternfly everywhere. Native to a apart of Aisa, the spotted lanternfly was first seen in the United States nearly a decades ago, when it was found at a Pennsylvanian landscaping company that imported stones from abroad it arrived in New Yok in the summer of 2020’’ according to source Asmaa Elkeurti a reporter from the New York Times in her article “Spotted Lanternflies Are Back. You should still kill them. The battle of the colorful bugs. Not only are these Lanternfly just all over the city and taking over some building walls and swarming our tress.

   They are very harmful to our environment. “Invasive insects and plants diseases, such as the spotted lanternfly spongy moth, citrus greening and many other costs the U.S. an estimated $40 billion each year in damages to crop, tress, and other plants”. Kathryn Bronsky, national policy manager for health inspection services (APHIS) said “Together, we can make a difference. Which is so different from the other bugs from most. Not only do they just lay eggs not only hardwood tress but on cars too. Which is a big problem!  How to remove the eggs musses USDDA recommend “smashing and scraping” the masses and putting them into a plastic bag and sealing it. The trash should be thrown away in municipal trash. Is what www.dec.ny.gov is prompting in the newest article. How to carefully discard a lanternfly nest.

     Why it’s important to kill lanternflies’ coming from a NYTimes read by “Asmaa Elkeurti” Claims the department of Agriculture is asking the public to scrape them off surfaces before the insects have a chance to hatch. “The adults can hitchhike on vehicles or get into trucks or even aircraft and be transported long distances,” said Chris Logue, the director for plant industry at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. And they can lay their eggs on nearly any hard surface, including trucks and train cars. Once they hatch the spotted lanternfly enters its nymph phase as a little black insect with white dots on them. When they reach full adulthood. They have their iconic gray and red coloring that they are known for.  Emily Anthes a reporter from The New York Times wrote an article back in 2024 that she sat down with Brain Eshenaur “who said there still out there “who is an invasive species specialists at Cornell University. “But were just not seeing then at the number we have in the past couple years. Could New Yorks fancy footwork be working?

    Even though they might be harmless to use humans. They are an invasive species that are harming the environment. Plus, these bugs are costing the city money. We need a good environment to thrive in. Reports analyzed an infestation in South Korea that affected the growth of apples stones fruit, timber and ornamental trees. Those whose Pennsylvania counter parts have forced better than expected against the bugs. Which affects us because New York does depend on those crops. From Pennsylvania when it comes to grapes vines which these lanternflies are destroying also, in Long Island, Finger Lake in Lodi, NY. Can you imagine a world with no wine, no apples, no watermelons, and no fresh corn to go with your dinner. Not only do the gardeners have to fight back so do we. Grape growers on Roosevelt Island saw a decline in plants health last season, with some gardeners removing their vines entirely to help curb the bug spread.

   The total reports of lanternfly sightings are down statewide. As of Sept. 10, the agriculture department received about 9,800 reports in 2024, compared with 31,200 reports by the same date last year. However, the department has also announced that people living in areas with known lanternfly infestations, including New York City, no longer need to report the insects. (The department has received roughly 1,000 reports from the city so far this year, compared with 12,700 over the same period last year.)

     In conclusion, the growing presence of invasive insects in New York illustrates how climate change affects not only ecosystems but also communities and daily life. The academic report provides credibility and data for policymakers, the magazine article uses humor and accessible language to reach the public, with New York Times article and the CBS video delivers urgency through visuals and expert voices. Together, these sources highlight the importance of the challenge of invasive species in the climate show that effective communication is just as crucial as scientific research when it comes to building awareness, driving policy, and motivating collective action. But anything that keeps the insects’ numbers down will help. “So, keep squashing them,” he said. I’m doing my part to protect the community and the environment by helping get rid of invasive spotted lanternflies.

____________________________   SHANICE SMITH

   Prof.McDonald

    ENG 110

    Octobter20,2025

                                                     The spotted Lanternflies Invasion New York

    Living in New York City, you can’t help but notice the impact of lanternflies, with the infestation affecting the city’s agriculture. The red, black, and gray bugs can be seen jumping all over the place. These colorful insects are native to parts of Asia and were first spotted in the United States nearly a decade ago, when they were discovered at a landscaping company in Pennsylvania that imported stones from abroad. The spotted lanternfly arrived in New York in the summer of 2020. According to reporter Asmaa Elkeurti of The New York Times in her article “Spotted Lanternflies Are Back,” the city has been urging residents to “stomp, stomp, stomp, squish, squish, squish.” The Department of Agriculture strongly encourages people to stomp, squash, or swat lanternflies when they see them. While spotted lanternflies are harmless to humans, they are an invasive species that can cause widespread economic harm, primarily by damaging plants and vines.

     As noted in “Why We Always Have Some New Invasive Insect Species” from NY Groove, these insects have become a growing concern across the region. This essay will explore how the spotted lanternfly’s invasion affects New York’s environment, agriculture, and communities, and how collective action can help control their spread. Not only are these lanternflies swarming buildings and trees across the city, but they are also harmful to the environment. Invasive insects and plant diseases such as the spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and citrus greening continue to threaten plant life.

     Kathryn Bronsky, national policy manager for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), said, “Together we can make a difference.” The USDA recommends “smashing and scraping” lanternfly egg masses, sealing them in a plastic bag, and throwing them away with municipal trash (DEC.ny.gov). The New York Times article by Asmaa Elkeurti also reports that the Department of Agriculture urges the public to scrape the eggs off surfaces before they hatch. “The adults can hitchhike on vehicles, trucks, or even aircraft and transported long distances,” said Chris Logue, director for plant industry at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Lanternflies can lay their eggs on nearly any hard surface, including trucks and train cars. Once they hatch, they begin their nymph phase as small black insects with white dots before developing their iconic gray and red wings as adults.

    Bees play a crucial role in maintaining environmental health by pollinating plants that provide food, oxygen, and habitat for countless species. Their work supports biodiversity and keeps ecosystems balanced, allowing fruits, vegetables, and flowers to thrive. Without bees, many essential crops such as apples, melons, and coffee would decline, leading to serious ecological and economic consequences. In contrast, lanternflies cause the opposite effect. Rather than nurturing plant life, they damage it by feeding on tree sap and weakening vines and crops. This feeding behavior not only stunts plant growth but also promotes mold and disease, threatening agriculture across New York and beyond. While bees symbolize growth and sustainability, lanternflies represent destruction and imbalance within the ecosystem. According to The New York Times, invasive species specialist Brian Eshenaur of Cornell University noted that although lanternflies are still present, their numbers have decreased in recent years showing that public awareness and control efforts may be working.

    Even though lanternflies are harmless to humans, they are costly and destructive to the environment. Reports show that infestations in South Korea affected the growth of apples, stone fruit, timber, and ornamental trees. Pennsylvania has faced similar challenges but has made progress in controlling the insects. This matters to New York because we depend on crops from those regions—especially grapevines, which lanternflies destroy. On Long Island and in the Finger Lakes region, grape growers have reported damage and declining vine health. Some, like those on Roosevelt Island, have removed their vines entirely to help curb the spread.

    Statewide reports of lanternfly sightings have decreased compared to 2023, when New York City saw one of its highest infestation levels. As of September 10, 2024, the Department of Agriculture received about 9,800 reports, down significantly from 31,200 during the same period last year. The department also announced that residents in areas with known lanternfly infestations, including New York City, no longer need to report the insects. So far, only about 1,000 reports have been filed from the city this year, compared with 12,700 last year. While the number of reports has decreased, continued community awareness and action remain key to keeping lanternfly populations under control.

    In conclusion, the growing presence of invasive insects in New York shows how climate change affects not only ecosystems but also communities and daily life. Academic reports provide credibility and data for policymakers, while news and media sources use accessible language and visuals to engage the public. Together, these sources highlight the importance of awareness and collective action in addressing invasive species. Anything that helps reduce their numbers makes a difference. So, as one official said, “Keep squashing them.” I’m doing my part to protect my community and the environment by helping get rid of invasive spotted lanternflies.

                                                                                  Work  Cited

Schwach, Ryan. “Why We Always Have Some New Invasive Insect Species.” The New York Groove, 5 Aug. 2024, nygroove.nyc/why-new-york-always-seems-to-have-some-new-invasive-insect-species.

Regions, All. “The Impact of Pests on the Agriculture Industry.” Pest Control Services | Safeguard, 1 Apr. 2022, safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk/impact-pests-agriculture-industry/#:~:text=These%20include%20visible%20damage%20to,stored%20products%20a%20farm%20holds.

Spotted Lanternflies Invading NYC.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/spotted-lanternflies-invading-nyc/. Accessed 17 Sept. 2025.

The truth about -https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/21/science/spotted-lanternfly-nyc.html

“New Finding Shows a Possible Predator for Spotted Lanternflies.” YouTube, YouTube, 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7lqlwQwmU4.

Vivarium, Suspended – Jah Elyse Sayers. jahelysesayers.commons.gc.cuny.edu/vivarium.

Sutherland, Don. August | 2023 | Don’s Reports and Reflections. 28 Aug. 2023, donsutherland.commons.gc.cuny.edu/2023/08.__

Supporting documents like research notes, brainstorms, etc. (images are welcome)

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Complete assignment (750 words)

#2 Inquiry Based Research Essay