Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills

A mayfly genus (Caenis, common square-gills) was observed in Fort Greene, Brooklyn on 2026-10-03. Mayflies are among the most pollution-sensitive freshwater insects, making their presence an indicator of adequate water quality and oxygen conditions.

Agrypnia vestita (a large caddisfly) was recorded at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens on 2026-10-03. Caddisfly larvae require clean, well-oxygenated flowing water and are standard pollution-sensitive indicators, suggesting this coastal wetland reach supports sensitive aquatic life.

Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum) continued late-fall activity through early November 2026, with multiple sightings across the region through 2026-11-02. This native dragonfly's persistence through November in local parks indicates adequate aquatic habitat for larval development.

Spotted lanternfly was recorded 93 times in the past 30 days across the region with sightings recorded as recently as 2026-11-02, including observations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The invasive species continues to show widespread distribution and persistent activity into early November, sustained by abundant tree-of-heaven and lack of natural predators. Ongoing surveillance and management efforts remain necessary to limit further range expansion and population growth.

Mean daily high over the past 30 days was 74.3°F, 0.8°F below normal; mean daily low was 62.3°F, 1.6°F above normal. Overnight temperatures have been warmer than typical for this time of year despite slightly cooler daytime highs.

Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), an introduced species, was observed 2026-09-23 in Central Park. This invasive crayfish can outcompete native crayfishes and alter freshwater benthic communities by burrowing and bioturbating sediments.

Summer Flier Sedges (Limnephilus), a genus in family Limnephilidae, was observed 2026-10-02 in the upper Nyack area. Caddisfly larvae require clean, well-oxygenated flowing water and are standard indicators of water quality, suggesting localized habitat conditions in that reach support sensitive aquatic life.

Monarchs recorded 195 times in the past 60 days with the most recent observation on 2026-10-02. The migratory population is currently passing through the region during its fall migration toward Mexico, with peak activity in New Jersey expected around October 4. Though the species was proposed for threatened listing, it remains unprotected federally, with population recovery dependent on preserving milkweed and reducing pesticide exposure along the migration route.

Spotted lanternfly recorded 196 times in the past 30 days, with sightings on 2026-10-03 in New York and New Jersey. A mild winter allowed overwintered eggs to survive, raising concerns of a population surge into the millions across New York City this year. With few natural predators and abundant food sources like tree of heaven, the invasive species poses risks to crops and native vegetation.

Chimney Swifts reached 30 individuals recorded together at Inwood Hill Park on October 2, still within the Northeast region's typical early October departure window before heading to South America. These swifts gather by the hundreds during fall migration to roost communally in chimneys, building fat reserves at stopover sites before their long journey south.