Spotted Lanternfly

Science

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to parts of China and Vietnam, and arrived in the United States in 2014, where it is considered an invasive species. The insect causes considerable damage to grapes, soybeans, trees, and other plants. In its native environment, the population is controlled by parasitic wasps. The population has spread across the Northeastern United States, prompting state governments to institute a variety of pest control methods. Where I live in Pennsylvania, posters hang in public spaces imploring people to “Stop the Invader” and kill the bug on sight.

https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-insects/spotted-lanternfly/

Method

The above image is known as a haiga, a style of Japanese painting whereby the image is accompanied by a short poem, like haiku. I painted it using traditional brushstroke techniques with ink and water. The haiku was written by hand, then both parts were scanned and combined digitally. Both the poem and the painting work to complement one another: each on their own is incomplete. Together, they create a message that is greater than the individual components.

Bio

Dennis Owen Frohlich is a professor of media and journalism at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include health communication, digital media, social support, and online communities. Poetry is one of many creative outlets he pursues to keep his heart, mind, and spirit fresh. His poems have been published in the Bamboo Hut, the Asahi Haikuist Network, Akitsu Quarterly, Altered Reality Magazine, and Poets for Science. http://dennisfrohlich.com/