The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect first discovered in the United States in 2014, and it has since become a major concern across multiple states. This planthopper, native to Asia, feeds voraciously on the sap of various woody plants, threatening both agricultural crops and ornamental trees. Understanding which plants this pest prefers is important for managing its spread and minimizing the ecological and economic damage it causes. The insect’s feeding behavior changes throughout its life cycle, making certain hosts more attractive during specific developmental stages.
The Essential Host: Tree of Heaven
The single most preferred tree for the Spotted Lanternfly, especially for reproduction, is the non-native Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Like the lanternfly, the Tree of Heaven is an invasive species originating from Asia, and the two share a close ecological relationship in their native range. This tree contains specific compounds that appear necessary for the Spotted Lanternfly to successfully complete its life cycle and support egg development.
Adult lanternflies show a strong preference for clustering on the trunks of the Tree of Heaven in late summer and early fall. Females that feed on Ailanthus tend to lay more egg masses and begin the egg-laying process sooner than those that do not have access to it.
The presence of the Tree of Heaven in a new area is highly correlated with the successful establishment and proliferation of Spotted Lanternfly populations. While the early nymph stages will feed on a wide variety of plants, the later-stage nymphs, known as fourth instars, and the adults develop a strong attraction to Ailanthus. This unique dependency on a specific host plant is a key factor in the pest’s biology.
The Broader Menu: Other Preferred Plants
While the Tree of Heaven is essential for reproduction, the Spotted Lanternfly is a generalist feeder that consumes the sap of over 70 different plant species throughout its life. Early-stage nymphs are less selective than adults and feed on a broader range of tender plants that serve as secondary hosts. However, the greatest economic damage often occurs on important agricultural crops.
Grapevines are particularly susceptible to severe damage, with reports of significant crop loss in vineyards due to heavy feeding. Large numbers of feeding lanternflies remove substantial amounts of sap, which can reduce the vine’s winter hardiness and delay fruit ripening. The insects also excrete a sugary waste called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold that can contaminate the fruit and make it unmarketable.
Beyond grapes, the insects feed on many commercially valuable fruit trees, including peaches, apples, plums, and cherries. Although the lanternflies do not consume the fruit itself, their collective feeding stresses the trees and can reduce overall fruit quality. Common North American shade and timber trees are also affected, with species like black walnut, maple (especially silver maple), willow, and birch serving as hosts.
Using Feeding Habits for Targeted Control
The Spotted Lanternfly’s strong preference for the Tree of Heaven is utilized by pest managers to implement highly specific control strategies, particularly the use of “Trap Trees.” This technique involves targeting the invasive Ailanthus to concentrate the lanternfly population in a localized area.
Managers first identify and remove the majority of Tree of Heaven specimens in a given area, often around 90%, to reduce the overall habitat suitability. A small number of male Ailanthus trees are intentionally left standing to serve as trap trees, as they will not produce seeds and contribute to the spread of the invasive plant.
These remaining trees are then treated with a systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the plant and circulates through the sap. When the lanternflies aggregate and feed on the treated trap trees, they ingest the poison and are eliminated. This targeted approach helps to reduce the widespread use of insecticides by drawing the pests to a few specific locations. Management efforts focus on reducing the number of non-essential Ailanthus trees, which helps to limit the population’s ability to reproduce and spread to other susceptible host plants.