The U.S. Open is reportedly bracing for an invasion of spotted lanternflies, which are expected to swarm New York and are known for feeding on a wide range of plants. With Flushing Meadows boasting the fourth-largest public park in the state, there are concerns that the players may have to tackle the bugs over the next two weeks. “When somebody sees an insect, we ask them to take a picture first, and then stomp on it,” said Brian Esheaur, an invasive species expert at Cornell University. Players already have an example of the spotted lanternfly to check should they encounter one on the courts.The bugs are most common in New York from late summer through early fall, reaching their peak in August and September — the exact same time frame as the U.S. Open, which runs this year from August 18 to September 8 — during their breeding season.
