Upon first glance, the spotted lanternfly might appear to be a virtuous little moth. With a black and yellow body tucked gracefully inside a pair of radiant red, black and brown wings, they’re a speckled sight to behold. But if you research these colorful insects, you’ll quickly discover that they’re not nearly as innocent as they appear.
This unsuspecting pest is one of more than 450 known invasive insect species in the United States. Invasive species are insects that aren’t native to a country and cause harm to the environment or human health. Once they arrive on foreign soil, they settle in at the expense of local ecosystems and can be difficult to remove without also harming beneficial insects.
Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at the spotted lanternfly and exploring ways to reduce the number of this invasive species in our environment.
Getting to Know the Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternflies, or Lycorma delicatula, are classified as planthoppers due to their ability to easily hop from one place to another. They typically grow to about one inch in length and half an inch in width. With their wings folded, they resemble a lantern shape, giving them their informal moniker.
In the fall, adult spotted lanternflies lay their eggs, which hatch as nymphs the following spring. It takes several months for these nymphs to mature into adults, and then the cycle repeats. Upon hatching, nymphs immediately seek out a food source. They prefer the Ailanthus tree but are also known to feed on more than 70 species of maple trees, oak trees, apple trees and grapevines.
How Did the Spotted Lanternfly Spread?
You may be familiar with the spotted lanternfly’s outer appearance, but do you know its origin story and how it spread to other countries? This invasive species hails from Southeastern Asia, where it naturally thrives in the warm, humid climates of countries like China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
They have also established themselves in countries with mild climates, such as Japan and South Korea. However, their appearance in the cooler region of the northeastern United States, specifically Pennsylvania in 2014, came as a surprise.
The spotted lanternfly likely arrived in the U.S. through international trade, hitching rides on imported goods such as stone or wood shipments. Since its introduction, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 14 other states, often carried unknowingly on infested wood and pallets.
What Are the Ecological and Economic Impacts?
As spotted lanternflies feed, they use their sharp mouthparts to retrieve the sap under the tree’s bark. This feeding alone can cause damage, but the lanternflies don’t stop there. After feeding, they excrete honeydew, a sugary substance that attracts other insects.
The result is the growth of sooty mold, a fungus that makes the tree more vulnerable to other diseases and stops its growth, often killing it. The infection and death of these trees disrupts the habitats of native species that rely on them for shelter and food, including birds and mammals like bats and squirrels.
From an economic perspective, a 2019 study from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture estimated that spotted lanternflies could cost the state $324 million annually and remove the need for approximately 2,800 jobs.
How to Stop the Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly
Whether you’re a pest control professional or a concerned resident in an area affected by the invasive spotted lanternfly, there are effective tactics to prevent its spread:
- Inspect your items
Before traveling, check your items for lanternflies or their eggs. Look along the exterior and underside of your vehicle, destroying any egg masses, which often resemble mud splashes. You can use this checklist to help you identify potential lanternflies or their eggs.
- Report sightings
If you notice damage to trees that may be caused by spotted lanternflies, or if you spot egg masses, nymphs or adult lanternflies, take photos and report them to your state’s invasive species program.
- Use control methods
Incorporate removal methods such as vinegar, insecticidal soap or even the suction from a vacuum cleaner.
Learn Advanced Pest Control Strategies at the University of Florida
When it comes to combating the spread of the spotted lanternfly and other invasive species, professionals in pest management have access to a range of advanced strategies. If you’re familiar with the challenges posed by these pests and are looking to enhance your role in pest management, the University of Florida offers online graduate credentials with specializations tailored to your needs, including:
Each specialization offers two pathways:
- Master of Science in Entomology and Nematology
Our online entomology master’s degree consists of 30 credits, with 15 focused on your chosen specialization. Upon completion, you’ll earn both a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in your specialization of choice.
- Graduate Certificate (in the specialization of your choice)
Our online graduate certificates are 15 credits and can be completed in as little as one year, providing a significant boost to your resume in the field of pest management.
Applications are accepted year-round, so start your application today to begin advancing your career next semester!
Sources:
https://www.fws.gov/story/stopping-spotted-lanternfly-its-tracks
https://research.fs.usda.gov/forestplanthealth/invasives
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-insects/spotted-lanternfly/
https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/quarantine/Documents/SLF_Checklist_for_Residents.pdf
https://www.montgomerynj.gov/bc-stc/page/ways-fight-spotted-lanternfly
