The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper first identified in the United States in 2014. It has since spread rapidly across the eastern states, posing a significant threat to agriculture and forestry. This sap-feeding insect damages grapevines, fruit trees, and various hardwood species, leading to reduced crop yields and economic losses. Because the insect is non-native to North America, it arrived without the specialized natural enemies that regulate its populations in Asia. This lack of natural control led to a rapid population explosion, raising the question of whether native wildlife is learning to consume this abundant new food source.
Specific Birds Observed Eating Lanternflies
Native North American birds are increasingly observed as predators of the Spotted Lanternfly, suggesting a gradual adaptation to this novel prey item. Citizen science projects and university studies have documented several avian species incorporating SLFs into their diet, consuming both the adult and nymph life stages. Frequently reported bird predators include generalists like the Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird, and Blue Jay. Smaller insectivores such as the Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse also prey on the lanternflies.
Controlled feeding trials provide specific insights into these predatory behaviors, particularly involving the House Wren. Researchers found that nesting House Wrens readily consume the insects, but they prefer lanternflies that have not fed on the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Parent wrens were observed to be less willing to feed their young the less palatable lanternflies, protecting their chicks from potential chemical deterrents. Various woodpecker species, such as the Downy Woodpecker, have also been observed, suggesting they may be more tolerant of the insects’ defensive compounds.
Why Most Native Birds Initially Avoid Lanternflies
Native birds initially hesitate to consume Spotted Lanternflies due to the insect’s chemical and visual defense mechanisms. The adult and late-stage nymph lanternflies display bright red and black markings, a visual strategy known as aposematism. This striking coloration serves as a warning signal to potential predators. This visual cue is often associated with unpalatability or toxicity, teaching predators through negative reinforcement to avoid similarly patterned prey.
The unpalatability stems from the insect’s ability to sequester bitter compounds called quassinoids from its preferred host, the Tree of Heaven. These intensely bitter chemicals accumulate within the lanternfly’s body, deterring vertebrate predators. Studies confirm that birds, including various songbirds, are far less likely to eat SLFs that have consumed this invasive plant. This suggests birds can detect the bitter taste and avoid the insects as a result.
Other Animals That Prey on Lanternflies
Predation on the Spotted Lanternfly extends beyond the avian community, involving various non-avian generalist predators. Among arthropods, the Praying Mantis is an effective predator, capturing and consuming adult lanternflies. Other insect predators include the Wheel Bug and Spined Soldier Bug, which are types of assassin bugs that use piercing mouthparts to subdue and feed on the lanternflies.
Non-Avian Predators
Unlike birds, some arthropod predators, such as the Spined Soldier Bug, appear less deterred by the sequestered quassinoid compounds. This suggests that chemical defenses effective against birds may not translate to protection against insect predators. Mammals, amphibians, and reptiles have also been observed eating the insects:
Squirrels
Opossums
Frogs
Garter snakes
Bats
The Overall Impact of Natural Predation
While the increase in native predators is an encouraging sign, the overall impact on the Spotted Lanternfly population remains relatively small. The species’ immense reproductive capacity, with females laying dozens of eggs in a single mass, generally outpaces localized predation efforts. These generalist predators do not specialize in consuming SLFs and are only opportunistic feeders. Their consumption does not significantly reduce the overall population on a landscape scale. Studies indicate that population reduction is often limited, especially where the insect’s preferred host, the Tree of Heaven, is abundant. Natural predation is considered a slow-developing component of the overall management strategy, contributing to a gradual, long-term stabilization of numbers but unlikely to eliminate the pest.