The invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper native to Asia that poses a serious threat to North American agriculture and hardwood trees. The presence of these insects, often seen in large aggregations, has led to public speculation about their potential natural enemies. This article clarifies the relationship between the Spotted Lanternfly and bees, which are frequently observed near the pest. The direct answer to whether bees kill lanternflies is no; they are not predators.
Are Bees Natural Predators of the Lanternfly
Bees do not hunt or consume the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). The physical characteristics and behavior of both insects make a predator-prey relationship unlikely. Adult SLF are relatively large, measuring about an inch long, and possess a hard exoskeleton difficult for a bee to puncture.
Bees are herbivores, relying on nectar and pollen to feed their colony. Their mouthparts are designed for sucking up liquids, not for biting and chewing prey. Bees observed near lanternflies are drawn to a byproduct of their feeding, not attempting to attack them.
Observations of bees near the Spotted Lanternfly are not evidence of a predatory instinct. These instances represent a foraging behavior driven by the sweet, sticky substance the lanternflies excrete. This often stems from seeing bees and wasps congregating where the lanternflies are highly active.
How Bees Interact with Spotted Lanternfly Honeydew
The interaction between bees and the Spotted Lanternfly centers on a sugary waste product known as “honeydew.” Spotted Lanternflies feed on the phloem sap of host plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Since they must process a large volume of sap to extract sufficient nutrients, they excrete the excess sugar as a sticky liquid.
This honeydew accumulates on tree trunks, leaves, and the ground below large aggregations. Honeybees and other sugar-loving insects, such as wasps and ants, are strongly attracted to this resource. This is especially true during the late summer and fall when floral nectar sources become scarce.
The collection of this late-season honeydew can lead to an unusual honey harvest for beekeepers. The resulting honeydew honey tends to be darker, thicker, and has a distinct flavor profile, often described as smoky, earthy, or fig-like.
While the honey can be marketable, the honeydew itself presents environmental problems. The sticky residue promotes the rapid growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that coats plant surfaces. Sooty mold obstructs sunlight from reaching the leaves, diminishing photosynthesis. This weakens the host plant. Beekeepers must also be aware that bees collecting honeydew may inadvertently pick up systemic insecticides applied to control the lanternflies, posing a risk to the colony.
Why the Lanternfly Poses a Threat to Local Ecosystems
The Spotted Lanternfly is classified as an invasive species due to its high reproductive rate, lack of native natural enemies, and ability to feed on a wide range of plants. It feeds on more than 70 plant species, including economically significant crops and native trees.
The feeding behavior involves the insects sucking sap from the plant’s vascular tissue, which stresses the host. While the SLF rarely kills mature hardwood trees, this constant feeding can cause branch dieback and weaken the plant. This makes the plant more susceptible to disease or other environmental stressors.
The primary agricultural threat is directed at vineyards, where heavy infestations can severely reduce crop yields and cause the death of grapevines. Beyond agriculture, the sheer number of insects and the accumulation of honeydew create a nuisance in urban and suburban areas. The resulting sooty mold covers outdoor furniture, decks, and vehicles, contributing to property damage.
Known Biological and Natural Controls for SLF
Since bees do not provide population control, management of the Spotted Lanternfly relies on other biological and natural methods. Generalist native predators, such as praying mantises, spiders, and the spined soldier bug, have been observed feeding on SLF. However, their impact is too localized to control widespread populations.
Specialized organisms, including entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoid wasps, offer more promising controls. Fungal pathogens, such as Beauveria bassiana and Batkoa major, naturally occur in the environment and can infect and kill lanternflies. The efficacy of fungal applications is often limited by environmental conditions like low moisture.
Scientists are investigating parasitoid wasps from the SLF’s native range as a long-term solution. The tiny wasp Anastatus orientalis is an egg parasitoid that lays its eggs inside the lanternfly egg masses, where the larvae then develop. The nymphal parasitoid Dryinus sinicus targets the younger stages of the lanternfly. These specialized natural enemies hold the most potential for regulating the invasive pest’s population.