While many civilians may be aware of the little insects that have flooded the streets, many do not know much about these creatures other than the government’s request to eradicate them.

 

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, belongs to the category of true bugs. It is recognized by its striking colors. It is excellent at dispersing, as the lanternfly can commonly be seen “hitching a ride” on cars, animals, and people. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species from Southeastern Asia in countries such as China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, and is an agricultural detriment; its rapid spread only increases its damage. 

 

The first known establishment of the spotted lanternfly in the United States was 2014, but some think it may have already been established in 2012. It has four instar stages before it is recognizable by its wings, which are brown and covered in spots (giving it its name), with a vibrant red seen on its lower wings. These instar, or nymph stages, are small and move briskly. They appear wingless and black with white spots for the first three stages, and then gain red coloring as well for the fourth stage.

 

True bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts that let them infiltrate their food as they suck the nutrients from it, giving them a parasitic quality. The tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is an invasive tree that has been outcompeting native trees in the United States, and this tree holds a mutualistic relationship with the lanternfly. Additionally, the spotted lanternfly’s preferred food source is grapevines, which has left the grape and wine industries of America fearful of the damages the insect can create; according to the state Agriculture and Markets Department, damages to the grape vine regions of the Finger Lakes alone can cost up to $300 million a year. 

 

While one may believe that the only damages are because the spotted lanternflies eat grapes, they are mistaken. The lanternfly excretes a liquid referred to as “honeydew”. This sugary liquid spills onto additional grapes and creates mold. While grapes are their main source, the spotted lanternfly will also feed on hardwood and fruit trees, so this pervasive issue is not limited to grapevines. 

 

Because of their ability to sideline agricultural enterprises, it is encouraged that when one sees the insect they take a picture, report it to their county, and kill it. While it does not seem like efforts to use a biological control predator to combat these populations, it has been determined that the spotted lanternfly has a predator: the wheel bug, Arilus cristatus. One can note that there may be efforts in the future to implement this bug to help control the spotted lanternfly’s rising populations in North America.

 

References: 

Featherstone, S. (2024, July 18). Invasive pest spotted in Finger Lakes, threatens grape and wine industry. Newyorkupstate. https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2024/07/invasive-pest-spotted-in-finger-lakes-threatens-grape-and-wine-industry.html

Hall, L. (2022, July 1). Meet the spotted lanternfly’s natural predators. Fox43.com. https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/spotted-lanternfly-wheel-bug-praying-mantis-pennsylvania-invasive-species/521-28c62dbb-69ca-4fa0-a03c-dcc728349ef2

Invasive Species Centre. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly – Profile and Resources. Invasive Species Centre. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-insects/spotted-lanternfly/

USDA. (2024, September 24). Spotted Lanternfly | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Www.aphis.usda.gov. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf