Spotted lanternflies and brown marmorated stink bugs are both invasive insect species established across the United States. The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is a planthopper native to parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam, first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014. Similarly, the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, originates from East Asia, notably China, and was likely introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1990s. Both insects represent significant agricultural and nuisance pests in their introduced environments.
Do Lanternflies Eat Stink Bugs?
A common question is whether spotted lanternflies prey on stink bugs. The answer is no; spotted lanternflies do not consume stink bugs or any other insects. They are classified as sap-feeding insects, also known as planthoppers.
Their mouthparts are specifically adapted for this diet. They possess piercing-sucking mouthparts, often described as a proboscis or stylet fascicle, which they use to penetrate plant tissues and extract sap. These mouthparts are designed for fluid extraction, not for consuming solid prey. Thus, their feeding habits prevent them from being predators.
The Spotted Lanternfly’s Diet
Spotted lanternflies feed exclusively on the phloem of plants, drawing out sugary sap. They exhibit a broad diet, feeding on over 70 different host plant species. Their preferred host plant is the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species itself.
Beyond the Tree of Heaven, spotted lanternflies commonly feed on economically important plants such as grapevines, maples, walnuts, and various fruit trees including apple, peach, and cherry. As they feed, these insects excrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew. This honeydew can cover plants and surfaces, promoting the growth of black sooty mold, which can hinder plant photosynthesis and overall health.
Who Eats Stink Bugs?
While spotted lanternflies do not prey on stink bugs, several other organisms do. Natural enemies of the brown marmorated stink bug include various parasitic wasps, predatory insects, spiders, and even some birds. A particularly effective biological control agent is the samurai wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, an egg parasitoid native to Asia. This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside stink bug eggs, preventing them from hatching and significantly reducing stink bug populations in its native range.
Generalist predators found in North America also contribute to controlling stink bug numbers. These include a variety of insects:
- Assassin bugs
- Praying mantises
- Lady beetles
- Lacewings
Spiders (especially jumping spiders), ground beetles, and earwigs also consume stink bug eggs. Birds and small mammals also feed on stink bugs, including their eggs and adults.