The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper native to parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam. It first appeared in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, though it may have arrived earlier. This insect became a concern due to its potential to harm agriculture and trees. With distinct appearances at different life stages, from black-and-white nymphs to adults with red and black markings, its presence posed a significant threat. Its voracious feeding habits target over 70 plant species, including grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods, threatening various industries and ecosystems.
Their Current Presence
Spotted lanternflies have expanded their range significantly since their initial detection. As of 2022 and 2023, they are confirmed in at least 19 states, primarily across the Northeastern United States, but also spreading south and west into states like North Carolina, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Tennessee.
While populations initially surged in newly infested areas, some regions with early, heavy infestations, such as parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, are now observing a decline. This suggests a pattern where populations peak after a few years before stabilizing or decreasing.
Factors influencing their current presence include human activity, which remains the primary driver of their spread, as egg masses can hitchhike on vehicles and goods. The availability of their preferred host plant, the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), plays a role in their establishment and population density. Warmer urban climates can also contribute to a longer active season for the insects, leading to earlier emergence and later activity each year.
Management Efforts
Management efforts for spotted lanternfly populations include several strategies.
Mechanical Control
Mechanical control methods involve directly removing the insects, such as scraping egg masses from surfaces and destroying them. Public campaigns encourage people to “stomp on sight” nymphs and adults, though this method is more effective for small numbers. Tree banding, using sticky traps around tree trunks, captures nymphs as they crawl up to feed. Caution is advised due to the risk of trapping beneficial insects or small birds.
Chemical Control
Chemical control involves the targeted use of insecticides. Systemic insecticides, absorbed by the plant and then ingested by feeding lanternflies, can be applied through trunk injections, basal bark sprays, or soil drenches. Contact insecticides, like neem oil or insecticidal soaps, kill lanternflies upon direct application. For larger infestations, active ingredients such as pyrethrins, bifenthrin, carbaryl, and dinotefuran have been used, often applied to specific “trap trees” like the tree-of-heaven.
Biological Control
Biological control research explores natural enemies of the spotted lanternfly. In its native range, parasitic wasps like Anastatus orientalis and Dryinus sinicus regulate lanternfly populations by parasitizing their eggs and nymphs. Anastatus orientalis, an egg parasitoid wasp, is being evaluated as a biological control agent in the U.S. Native fungal pathogens, such as Beauveria bassiana, have also been identified as causing mortality in spotted lanternflies.
Quarantine and Public Awareness
Quarantine measures and public awareness campaigns are also important. States with infestations establish quarantine zones to regulate the movement of materials that could harbor egg masses or insects, such as firewood, outdoor furniture, and vehicles. Businesses operating within these zones often require permits and training to ensure compliance. Public awareness campaigns educate residents on how to identify the insect at all life stages and encourage reporting sightings to agricultural authorities, which aids in early detection and containment.
The Path Ahead
Long-term management of the spotted lanternfly will involve continuous efforts focused on co-existence and sustained control, rather than complete eradication. Ongoing research is important for developing more effective and sustainable solutions.
Scientists are investigating the lanternfly’s biology, behavior, and host plant interactions to refine control tactics. This includes studying the efficacy of new insecticides and evaluating biological control agents like parasitic wasps and fungal pathogens to ensure they are host-specific and environmentally safe.
Continued public participation remains important in reporting sightings and adhering to quarantine guidelines. Early detection mitigates economic and ecological losses, and public vigilance helps track spread and aids localized management.
The species’ adaptability, including its ability to thrive in urban environments and extend its active season due to warming climates, presents ongoing challenges. Future strategies will consider these adaptations and focus on integrated pest management approaches that combine various control methods to mitigate the lanternfly’s impact across diverse landscapes.