Praying mantises are insects known for their distinctive, prayer-like posture. These predators are distributed globally, thriving in diverse habitats from tropical regions to temperate zones, including urban gardens. Conversely, the spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect, first identified in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. This pest poses a substantial threat to agricultural crops and various trees by feeding on plant sap. As the spotted lanternfly spreads, a common question arises: can praying mantises help control its populations?
Mantis Predation on Lanternflies
Praying mantises are generalist predators with a broad diet of insects. They are opportunistic hunters that primarily consume other arthropods, seizing prey within reach. Mantises employ an ambush hunting strategy, often remaining stationary and camouflaged as they wait for an unsuspecting insect to approach. Once prey is detected, they use their powerful, spiny forelegs to swiftly grasp and hold it.
Observations and citizen science reports confirm praying mantises prey on spotted lanternflies. Both the nymph and adult stages of the spotted lanternfly have been documented as prey for mantises. For instance, a Chinese mantis was observed consuming multiple lanternflies in quick succession, highlighting their predatory efficiency. Research has also indicated that larger mantis species, such as the Chinese mantis, are particularly effective at consuming spotted lanternfly adults.
Limitations of Mantises as a Control
While praying mantises readily consume spotted lanternflies, they are not considered a standalone solution for widespread infestations. Their generalist predatory nature means they do not discriminate between pest insects and beneficial ones. Mantises will prey on a wide array of insects, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can be detrimental to garden ecosystems. This indiscriminate feeding reduces their utility as a targeted biological control agent for a specific pest.
Praying mantis population density is typically low compared to high spotted lanternfly outbreak numbers. A single mantis or localized group cannot significantly impact large-scale infestations numbering in the thousands. Furthermore, some non-native mantis species, such as the Chinese mantis, can grow quite large and have been documented preying on small vertebrates like hummingbirds, raising concerns about their broader ecological impact. Relying solely on praying mantises for spotted lanternfly management is therefore not an effective or sustainable strategy.
Other Biological Controls
Researchers are exploring other natural enemies and biological controls for spotted lanternflies. Fungal pathogens, such as Beauveria bassiana and Batkoa major, have shown promise, causing significant mortality in lanternfly populations in affected areas. These native fungi infect and kill the insects; their prevalence is being studied for management applications.
Parasitic wasps are another area of active research. Ooencyrtus kuvanae, a wasp previously introduced to control spongy moths, has been found to parasitize spotted lanternfly egg masses. Two wasp species native to China, Anastatus orientalis and Dryinus sinicus, are also being evaluated as potential classical biological control agents. These wasps parasitize lanternfly eggs and nymphs in their native range, helping keep populations in check. Host specificity testing is underway to ensure these wasps do not negatively impact native insect species if released.
Beyond these specific agents, various native generalist predators have also been observed consuming spotted lanternflies. Spiders, assassin bugs (like wheel bugs), spined soldier bugs, and yellowjackets prey on them. Birds, including chickens, cardinals, gray catbirds, and blue jays, also eat spotted lanternflies. While some birds might find lanternflies that fed on invasive tree-of-heaven less palatable, removing this host plant can encourage greater bird predation. These diverse natural enemies contribute to localized control, though their collective impact on widespread infestations varies.