Title

Enlisting the help of natural predators to curb the spread of harmful spotted lanternfly

Relevance

The spotted lanternfly is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 100 species of plants and trees. Because it is a nonnative insect, the spotted lanternfly did not arrive in the U.S. along with its natural enemies to keep its numbers in balance, unlike in its native environment of Asia. This destructive pest was first discovered in the U.S. in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, and now 51 Pennsylvania counties are under state-imposed quarantine and the insect has spread to surrounding states. Many groups and people are interested in how spotted lanternfly populations can be reduced without pesticides.

Response

Researchers conducted field and lab experiments to find species in the U.S. that will prey on adult spotted lanternflies. Through news and social media outreach, they recruited the help of citizen scientists, who provided 1,294 photos and observations of birds, insects, and wildlife eating spotted lanternflies. The team received more responses than they expected, mainly from Pennsylvania, but also from New Jersey.

Results

Preliminary findings show that the top bird predators are chickens, cardinals, catbirds, blue jays, and the tufted titmouse. Among arthropods, the major predators were praying mantises, followed by yellow jackets, orbweaver spiders, wheelbugs, and ants. There were a few surprises among the reports, including sightings of squirrels, bats, frogs, goldfish, and a garter snake ingesting adult lanternflies. The findings could help citizens take steps to attract these predators because they will help to control not only spotted lanternflies but other pests as well. More research is needed to substantiate the impacts native predators will have on lanternfly populations. Currently, the scientists are gathering data on predation of eggs and nymphs.

Public Value Statement

Penn State entomologists identified potential predators of the spotted lanternfly thanks to citizen scientists who captured images of birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and even fish consuming the invasive planthopper.

Primary Focus Area

Environmental Stewardship

Secondary Focus Area

Agricultural Systems

Impact Statement