The invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has become a significant ecological concern across the eastern United States, leading to questions about its interaction with native species, particularly the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Bees do not eat lanternflies. Their relationship is not one of predator and prey, but rather an indirect interaction centered on the sugary waste product the lanternfly produces.
Why Bees Do Not Eat Lanternflies
Honey bees are primarily herbivorous, relying on nectar and pollen from flowering plants for their nutritional needs. Nectar provides carbohydrates for energy, while pollen supplies proteins, fats, and micronutrients. Honey bees possess mouthparts adapted for lapping and sucking liquids, making them physically incapable of consuming a large insect like the spotted lanternfly.
The spotted lanternfly also possesses chemical defenses that deter generalist predators. Lanternflies feed heavily on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which contains a bitter-tasting compound called ailanthone. The lanternfly sequesters these compounds, which serves as a warning signal through its bright coloration, suggesting the insect is chemically unpalatable or toxic. The lanternfly’s size and chemical profile likely make it an undesirable meal for any potential attacker.
How Bees Interact with Lanternfly Honeydew
The interaction between the two species revolves around the spotted lanternfly’s digestive process. As a piercing-sucking insect, the lanternfly taps into the phloem of plants to draw out sap, which is rich in sugar and water but low in other nutrients. To acquire necessary proteins, the lanternfly consumes large volumes of sap, excreting the excess sugar water as a sticky, sweet waste product known as honeydew.
Honey bees, along with other insects like wasps and ants, are attracted to and consume this honeydew. This occurs especially during late summer and fall when floral nectar sources become scarce. Bees collect the honeydew and process it within the hive just as they would floral nectar, converting it into a type of honey. This resulting “lanternfly honey” is typically darker, thicker, and has a distinct, often described as smoky, earthy, or molasses-like flavor.
This late-season food source has been a mixed blessing for beekeepers. It provides an abundant source of carbohydrates that helps colonies build up winter stores, though its quality is debated. Honeydew honey is common in Europe, but the lanternfly-derived product in the U.S. can be highly viscous. Its unique flavor profile may not appeal to all consumers, potentially affecting marketability. Initial research suggests this dark honey may possess enhanced medicinal qualities, exhibiting high antioxidant and antibacterial properties comparable to Manuka honey.
The Ecological Impact of the Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly is a damaging invasive species because of its feeding habits and the volume of honeydew it produces. The insect uses a specialized, straw-like mouthpart to pierce the bark of host plants and suck out the phloem sap. This feeding activity stresses the plant, leading to wilting, leaf loss, and a general decline in health. This decline can be fatal to commercially important species like grapevines, fruit trees, and various maples.
The sugary honeydew excreted by the lanternfly lands on the plant and everything beneath it, creating a medium for a dark, crusty fungus called sooty mold. This mold does not directly infect the plant tissue, but it grows thick enough to coat the leaves, blocking sunlight and inhibiting photosynthesis. The combination of continuous sap loss and reduced photosynthesis weakens the plant, making it susceptible to other diseases and stressors. This drastically reduces crop yields and occasionally kills the host plant.
Established Natural Predators and Controls
Since the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species from Asia, it initially lacked specialized natural enemies in North America, allowing populations to explode. Now, various native generalist predators have been observed feeding on the pest. These predators include praying mantises, certain spiders, birds like gray catbirds and cardinals, and predatory insects such as the spined soldier bug.
The most promising long-term management strategies involve specialized biological controls. Researchers are studying the parasitic wasp Anastatus orientalis, which lays its eggs inside the lanternfly’s egg masses; its larvae then consume the embryos. Naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, are also being explored because they can cause disease in and kill the lanternfly. These targeted biological approaches offer a sustainable alternative to chemical controls, which risk harming non-target organisms, including honey bees.