The spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper from Asia, first detected in North America in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread, threatening agriculture (vineyards, orchards, forestry) and native ecosystems. SLF feeds on over 70 plant species, extracting sap, weakening plants, and causing significant crop loss. Its destructive capabilities have led to intensive efforts to understand and control its populations, including exploring natural solutions.
Local Wildlife That Eats Lanternflies
Various native generalist predators consume spotted lanternflies, though their impact on overall populations remains limited. Birds such as grey catbirds, blue jays, and cardinals eat both adult and nymph stages. Chickens also consume them. These birds are not specialized SLF feeders; their diet is diverse. Other generalist arthropod predators, including orb weaver spiders, praying mantises, wheel bugs, and assassin bugs, also contribute. These native predators have not co-evolved with the spotted lanternfly, lacking the specialized pressure needed to significantly reduce widespread infestations.
Targeted Biocontrol Efforts
Scientists are exploring targeted biocontrol agents, often from the spotted lanternfly’s native range. Parasitic wasps are a primary focus, laying eggs inside SLF egg masses or parasitizing nymphs. Fungal pathogens also represent significant research. Fungi like Beauveria bassiana and Batkoa major can infect and kill lanternflies by penetrating their exoskeleton. Rigorous testing is conducted before introducing non-native agents to ensure specificity and minimal risk to native species.
Why Natural Control Isn’t Enough
Despite native predators and biocontrol agents, natural control alone often fails to contain spotted lanternfly outbreaks. Reasons include its rapid reproductive rate (30-50 eggs per mass) and wide host range (over 70 plant species), allowing it to thrive and spread. As an invasive species, SLF lacks co-evolved specialized native predators in North America. Generalist native predators do not exert the consistent pressure needed to suppress large populations. The scale of infestations overwhelms local wildlife. These factors necessitate integrated pest management strategies beyond natural control.
Local Wildlife That Eats Lanternflies
Various native generalist predators consume spotted lanternflies, though their impact on overall populations often remains limited. Birds such as grey catbirds, northern cardinals, blue jays, and tufted titmice consume both adult and nymph stages. Chickens also readily eat spotted lanternflies. While these birds provide some predation, they are not specialized feeders on SLF. Other generalist arthropod predators also contribute. Orb weaver and garden spiders capture spotted lanternflies in webs. Praying mantises, including native Carolina and non-native Chinese, prey on SLF nymphs and adults. Predatory insects like wheel bugs, spined soldier bugs, and yellow jackets have been documented consuming lanternflies. These native predators lack specialized adaptations or pressure to significantly reduce widespread infestations.
Targeted Biocontrol Efforts
Scientists are actively exploring targeted biocontrol agents, often involving species from the spotted lanternfly’s native range, to manage its populations. Parasitic wasps are a primary focus, with species like Anastatus orientalis showing promise. This wasp lays its eggs inside SLF egg masses, and its larvae then consume the developing lanternfly embryos. Another parasitic wasp, Dryinus browni, is being studied for its potential to parasitise SLF nymphs. The wasp Ooencyrtus kuvanae, previously introduced to control another pest, has also been documented parasitizing spotted lanternfly egg masses. Fungal pathogens also represent a significant area of biocontrol research. Fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Batkoa major have been identified as capable of infecting and killing spotted lanternflies. These fungi penetrate the insect’s exoskeleton, grow inside its body, and eventually lead to its death. Before introducing any non-native biocontrol agents, rigorous testing is conducted to ensure they are highly specific to the spotted lanternfly and pose minimal risk to native species and ecosystems, a process that can take years.