Officials say one was found on Staten Island in the Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
The invasive pest from Asia eats more than 70 types of plants.
In fact, eight counties in New Jersey are under so-called "quarantine" because of the bugs.
- Warren County
- Somerset County
- Hunterdon County
- Mercer County
- Burlington County
- Camden County
- Salem County
- Gloucester County
That means anyone who leaves those counties should do quick inspection to make sure one isn't catching a ride on their car.
NEW JERSEY NEWS: Bull shark sightings reported in NJ river
NJ officials investigating possible shark sighting in Rumson
Officials want to prevent a new infestation.
Researchers say the spotted laternfly can quickly multiply and love to feast on plants.
"They're named lanternflies because some of the species in this group have an ornate structure on their head that resembles a lantern that's kinda floating up above them," said Anne l. Nielsen, an entomology specialist at the Rutgers School of Environment and Biological Science.
The bright red, polka-dotted large bugs that hop around are unmistakable and eye-catching, but are a nuisance for homeowners and a threat to farms and vineyards.
PETS & ANIMALS: Sea turtle entangled in line, circled by sharks rescued
Sea turtle entangled in line, circled by sharks rescued
----------
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts