The spotted lantern fly is a pest that has been around for several years. Scientists have yet to find a natural predator of the insect. However, more studies are being conducted to find out. One recent study led by Penn State University entomology doctoral candidate Anne Johnson has asked the public for help in identifying predators of this insect. The study uses a community science approach to gather data on potential predators.
spongy moth parasitoid
A parasitic wasp is helping keep the invasive spotted lantern fly in check. In the east, these critters cause damage by eating trees and leaving a sticky honeydew substance. But the parasite has not yet reached the US. In the meantime, scientists are learning about its prey.
The study, examined how predatory behavior might help keep the invasive lantern fly in check. Facebook was used for observations of spotted lantern fly predation. The combined data from these accounts and the iNaturalist website was used to discover which predators were eating the spotted lantern fly. In addition to chickens, ants, praying mantises, and wasps were observed eating the lantern fly.
Because spotted lantern flies do not have many natural predators, they can grow to be a major problem in fruit tree crops. However, the bright red color on the hindwings of the spotted lantern fly warns predators that they are poisonous. Their main predator is the praying mantis, which is green in color.
Though these critters aren’t apparently harmful to humans. They are a serious nuisance to agricultural workers and gardeners alike. Also damaging a variety of plant species, including cherry trees, oak trees, and maple trees. They can also devastate ornamental plants and crops.
Spotted lantern flies are reportedly native to the eastern part of the world. But have since spread to other countries.
Garden spiders
Garden spiders are an important part of a garden’s ecosystem. These spiders are helpful for gardeners in a number of ways. They can help with chores and pest control. During mating season, female garden spiders will leave papery brown egg cases, some of which contain up to 1,000 eggs. These egg cases will remain on the female spider’s web until she dies. The egg cases will hatch once the first frost comes. When spring comes, the female spider will emerge with its egg cases attached to her back. The male spider is drab and brown, and only one quarter the size of the female spider.
The female garden spider is more than an inch long, and she can easily subdue a lantern fly, injecting venom into it and wrapping it up in silk to protect herself. Besides garden spiders, other predators of spotted lantern flies include gray catbirds and yellow jackets. These predators often live in thickets and meadows and are also effective at hunting down the spotted lantern fly.
Garden spiders and praying mantis have been found to eat the spotted lantern fly. However, they are not a major threat for the spotted lantern fly population. Garden spiders and praying mantis are two of the top predators, and both reportedly do not harm humans.
Spotted lantern flies are an invasive species. They lay egg masses containing up to 50 eggs.
Birds Biting Bad Bugs
A new study reveals the predatory behavior of birds that feed on bad bugs. The spotted lantern fly is a plant-eating insect that’s become a major issue to the environment in the U.S. Since it was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, this insect may have spread to at least 14 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The peak season for swallow bug biting is in spring, when birds begin to return to their nests after winter dormancy. In Colorado, there are two species of bed bugs associated with nests of owls and woodpeckers. A species of assassin bug is also associated with the nests of these birds, including the masked hunter. These bugs are smaller and cover themselves in lint. They may look like a moving ball of dust.
Scientists have long wondered why these predatory insects hide their signals, including the poisonous and distasteful characteristics of their food. But the insects only reveal this information if a bird swoops in on them. For example, a bird will only bite the lantern fly if it has a “startle display,” which is a sudden flash of color. In contrast, a duller bug would be more likely to be eaten.
Praying mantises
The presence of a predator can help keep the spotted lantern fly population under control. The insect is considered toxic, so its diet may be also toxic to its predator. The study’s results were preliminary, and further research is needed to verify whether the new predators will have a significant impact on lantern fly populations. The researchers plan to publish a report on their findings later. But, preliminary results were presented at a meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.
The spotted lantern fly is a dangerous pest that can spread rapidly across new areas and cause considerable damage to plants. The insect is often mistaken for a colorful moth or butterfly. But is actually a species of plant-hopper. In fact, it is the most common type of plant-hopper in North America.
The spotted lantern fly feeds on sap from several different kinds of trees. It is known to feed on ailanthus trees, walnuts, grapevines, and pine trees, but they will also feed on other types of plants. Some natural predators of spotted lantern flies include spiders and predatory stink bugs.
Although spotted lantern flies don’t have many natural predators, they can quickly multiply in numbers that threaten fruit tree crops. These flies are easily identifiable by their bright red hindwings, which alert predators that it is a potential noxious pest. One type of predator that feeds on spotted lantern flies is the praying mantis, which is a bright green insect that can eat a large number of them.
This invasive insect is found in Pennsylvania, where it is known to cause severe damage to trees and crops. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is trying to control the population by killing and trapping the insects. In addition, it is currently working on developing a biological control that can reduce lantern fly damage.
Spongy moth
This species of sponge moth is a natural enemy of the spotted lantern fly. The larvae of this species have yellow and black heads with five pairs of blue and six pairs of red spots. These caterpillars are between 1.5 and two inches long and defoliate trees. They also spread easily by wind and may spread to other trees.
The spotted lantern fly is found in many parts of the United States. They are a relatively common pest in the southeast, but have spread rapidly to other parts of the country. Spotted lantern fly larvae are a serious pest in agriculture. Their excreted goop damages crops by reducing their yield.
These moths feed on more than seventy plant species and leave a sticky honeydew residue. This residue promotes the growth of mold. The first reported outbreak of spotted lantern flies in the United States was in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Spotted lanternfly nymphs emerge from their eggs in April. By the fourth instar, they grow to be about an eighth of an inch in size. As they grow older, they begin to migrate in packs and may use their wings to jump. The adult nymphs are found on plants, and the nymphs lay their eggs on smooth surfaces.
It feeds on the sap of over 60 types of trees and plants and excretes honeydew. When this sticky substance builds up, it promotes the growth of sooty mold, which is harmful to the health of fruit crops.
The Spotted Lantern Fly Life Cycle
The spotted lantern fly life cycle includes four instars. In the early stages of development, the nymphs are black and white, with red and white spots. The nymphs are about half an inch long and jump when they are approached. They can be found during the months of April through October.
The nymphs emerge from their eggs in April and grow to be about one eighth inch long. They may be covered with black and white spots, and are quite soft when they first emerge. As they develop into adults, they may use their wings to jump. They are commonly found on trees, including the tree of heaven. The nymphs lay their eggs on smooth surfaces. The adults can be found during July and November.
Once hatched, the female spotted lantern fly will lay up to 100 eggs. To prevent the pest from increasing its population in the future, control efforts should be directed at the females. As the females grow, they will begin to select different host plants. In order to reduce the number of future larvae, the eggs should be removed and double-bagged. The eggs should then be soaked in alcohol.
The spotted lantern fly has a life cycle that includes two main stages and four sub-stages. The females lay their eggs on trees, rocks, vehicles, grills, outdoor furniture, and other vertical surfaces. The eggs can be found fresh in October to December and are about an inch long. The eggs are brown and resemble seeds. Reportedly creating four nymphal stages and creating one generation per year.
Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
