RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Invasive lanternflies have been spotted in Richmond, sparking concern among residents. The destructive insects, known for their detrimental impact on agriculture and plant life, were discovered in The Fan neighborhood, prompting a call for community vigilance.

27-year-old Clara Aus, a VCU biology graduate, discovered seven lanternflies in their "nymph" stage feeding on a Tree of Heaven in her backyard off West Main Street.

A small lanternfly in its "nymph" stage. Photo: Madison Moore, 8News

A small lanternfly in its "nymph" stage. Photo: Clara Aus

Aus, a VCU biology graduate with a passion for entomology, found the seven lanternflies throughout the past week. Her discovery included early-stage nymphs, indicating a potentially larger infestation.

“There's probably like at least 100 more of those in the same space,” Aus explained.

Video footage captured Aus identifying and capturing the insects, demonstrating the “clap method” she used to kill them on the spot.

Clara Aus searching for Lanternflies in her backyard off West Main Street

Lanternflies damage plants by feeding on their sap and draining essential nutrients. Then, the insects secrete a honeydew substance that promotes mold growth.

“They don't really have any natural predators here in the United States,” Aus said. “Every once in a while they might get a spider eating it, but a lot of them won't eat it because it tastes bad to them.”

These sightings come nearly a month after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) lifted a quarantine that had been in place since 2019. The quarantine aimed to slow the spread of lanternflies by regulating the movement of materials like firewood and construction materials that could harbor the insects.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services asks residents to take pictures of any spotted lanternflies they encounter and report the sightings. You can do so by filling out this form.

“I want everyone to kind of get together as a community and be a part of helping stop this problem,” Aus said.

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It’s just about that time of year. The leaves are coming back to trees, the warm air is warmer and the 32 teams that make up the National Football League (NFL) are getting ready to select the newest members of their respective football teams.

Now I’ve also done my research and crunched the numbers and I’m ready to reveal to you my “players to watch” because these guys are the guys you’re going to want to watch out for in the draft to see where they are drafted and which team drafts them, and where that team that drafts them is located.

This is one of the most comprehensive draft reviews you’ll ever read.

My first player to watch is Cam Ward, quarterback for the University of Miani. This guy can do it all and he’s got all the NFL scouts drooling over some of his athletic traits.

What to like: Stays poised on third down, stays in the pocket and can throw with accuracy and pace.

What not to like: Sometimes this guy will just chuck the ball down the field for seemingly no reason at all, and to no one in particular. It’s like, what are you doing? Are you a dumbass? It’s frustrating.

My next player to watch is Travis Hunter, wide receiver and cornerback from the University of Colnorado. Yes, you read that right. He plays both positions—wide receiver and cornerback. And he’s good at both. He was the best player in college football last season at both positions. These NFL scouts are drooling over this kid.

What to like: a freak of an athlete with jaw-dropping intangibles. A true two-way player not seen in the NFL in a long time.

What not to like: He will sometimes simply refuse to play football. There will be times when he won’t go out on the field. Coaches will say, “Travis, you’re up. Offense is on the field, let’s go.” And Travis will go, “no, I’m a cornerback. I want to hang out with the other cornerbacks right now.” And other times, coaches will go, “ok defense you’re up. Travis, get out there.” And this guy will go, “sorry coach. Me and the other wide receivers were hanging out so I’m going to keep doing that.” Something to watch out for if your favorite team drafts him.

And my last player to watch is Tyler Warren, tight end from Pemm State. This guy could redefine the tight end position and how these players are currently being deployed in NFL offenses. NFL Scouts are absolutely drooling over this kid.

What to like: Versatile and athletic. You can line this guy up anywhere. Out wide. In the backfield. Or in the slot where he can force defenses to guess whether he’s blocking or running a route. Ever heard of YAC before? It stands for Yards After the Catch and this guy gobbles those up the dozen.

What not to like: Does not chew any of his food. It’s all one giant bite and then a big swallow and that’s it. The guy is done eating. If that seems healthy to you, well, maybe we’re different people then. When I read about a college football player who is one of the marquee tight ends in the game and then I find out the guy swallows all of his food in one bite, I just get grossed out. “He’s an athlete.” Sorry. It’s a red flag for me. Something to watch out for in the draft, if your favorite team drafts this guy.

Ok, see you at the draft!