What Eats Lanternflies? Natural Predators & Their Impact

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper from China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread across at least 18 states, causing significant damage to various crops and trees. This includes vineyards, orchards, and hardwood trees, leading to substantial economic losses in agricultural and forestry sectors. The insect feeds by piercing plants and sucking out sap, which weakens the host and makes it vulnerable to disease. Spotted lanternflies also excrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, creating a nuisance.

Opportunistic Eaters in Invaded Areas

In invaded areas, various generalist predators have been observed consuming spotted lanternflies. These animals are not co-evolved predators but opportunistic feeders taking advantage of a new, abundant food source. Some birds initially avoided them, especially those that had fed on tree of heaven, which can make lanternflies taste bitter, but some species are learning to eat them. Spined soldier bugs and mantises have shown particular effectiveness, even consuming lanternflies that fed on tree of heaven.

Observed predators include:

  • Birds: Chickens, cardinals, gray catbirds, blue jays, tufted titmice, great crested flycatchers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and house wrens.
  • Insects: Praying mantises, spiders (like orbweavers), wheel bugs (a type of assassin bug), spined soldier bugs, yellowjackets, ants, lady beetles, and lacewings.
  • Other animals: Garter snakes, squirrels, bats, green frogs, goldfish, koi, ducks, and domestic pets like dogs and cats.

Specialized Natural Enemies

In its native range in Asia, the spotted lanternfly’s populations are naturally regulated by specialized natural enemies, primarily parasitic wasps. These organisms are highly adapted to target lanternflies at different life stages, offering a more precise control mechanism.

Two notable examples are Anastatus orientalis, an egg parasitoid, and Dryinus sinicus (also referred to as Dryinus browni), a nymphal parasitoid. Anastatus orientalis lays its eggs inside spotted lanternfly egg masses, with the developing wasp larvae consuming the lanternfly eggs. Studies in China have found high rates of parasitism by this wasp, sometimes affecting up to 69% of lanternfly egg cases.

Dryinus sinicus targets spotted lanternfly nymphs. The larva develops on the nymph’s body, eventually killing the host. These specialized parasitoids are being studied for their potential role in classical biological control efforts in invaded regions, though careful evaluation is necessary to ensure they do not harm non-target native species.

Impact on Lanternfly Populations

While opportunistic predators consume spotted lanternflies, their overall impact on widespread populations is limited. Generalist predators are not host-specific and consume a wide variety of prey, meaning they do not focus solely on lanternflies enough to significantly reduce large infestations. Although they contribute to localized control and are part of a broader integrated pest management strategy, they are not a standalone solution.

Specialized natural enemies, particularly the parasitic wasps from the lanternfly’s native range, hold more promise for long-term, sustainable population management. These co-evolved species, like Anastatus orientalis and Dryinus sinicus, exhibit host specificity and can exert significant pressure on lanternfly populations, as seen in their native habitats where lanternfly numbers are typically lower. However, the introduction of these biological control agents requires extensive research and careful consideration to prevent unintended ecological consequences, such as harming native insect species.

How Fast Can Deer Swim? Their Surprising Aquatic Abilities

Is Taking Honey From Bees Bad? The Ethics of Beekeeping

City Mice: How They Evolve and Adapt in Urban Settings