Spotted Lanternfly

Question 1

explain The Spotted Lanternfly

Answer 1

• Lycorma delicatula
• Planthopper- doesn’t fly; uses wings to assist during jumps
• Regulated by parasitic wasps
• Feed on sap through piercing-sucking mouthpart

Question 2

The Spotted Lanternfly - explain the host plant

Answer 2

tree of heaven (preferred), woody trees, soybean crops, stone fruit crops, etc…

Question 3

The Spotted Lanternfly - what do they feed on

Answer 3

the feed on sap through piercing-sucking mouthpart

Question 4

explain the spotted lanternfly’s lifecycle

Answer 4

• has wingless instars and its host range narrows with each instar
• Eggs undergo diapause– synched hatching after 2 weeks warm weather

Question 5

What is an invasive species

Answer 5

A species that…
- Is introduced to an area (intentionally or accidentally)
- Becomes overpopulated
- Adversely impacts new habitat
- Causes ecological, environmental, and/or economic harm

Question 6

spotted lanternfly - Ecological Impact

Answer 6

• they feed on sap, which weakens plants
• Their waste causes fungal growth on plants, which kills them
• they have very few predators outside of their natural range, causing their numbers to explode
• also suspected to be toxic to pets, but more research is needed in order to come to a definitive conclusion

Question 7

who does the spotted lanternfly disrupt ecosystems

Answer 7

• they aren’t picky and are known to parasitize almost any plant
• target both ornamental plants and food crops, which makes them especially harmful to agriculture
• their population is out of control due to their ease of reproduction, as well as the lack of natural predators
• are also relatively large and can outcompete insects in similar niches

Question 8

Control, Management, and Prevention Strategies

Answer 8

• kill Spotted Lanternflies on sight
• Insecticides are used to great effect
• identifying the eggs

Question 9

Control, Management, and Prevention Strategies - kill spotted lanternflies on sight

Answer 9

many state governments and experts encouraging people to squash the pests if they see them

Question 10

Control, Management, and Prevention Strategies - insecticides

Answer 10

they are most effective on adult specimens, due to the fact nymphs are mobile and difficult to target by applying insecticides in specific areas

Question 11

Control, Management, and Prevention Strategies - identifying eggs

Answer 11

Cutting down and removing affected trees as soon as possible is crucial in controlling the population

Question 12

Challenges in Eradication of the spotted lanternfly

Answer 12

• due to their diverse food sources
• Understanding the biology of spotted lanternflies is crucial for devising effective eradication strategies

Question 13

Importance of Addressing Invasive Species

Answer 13

• Threat to Biodiversity and Economy
• Ecological Balance at Stake

Question 14

Importance of Addressing Invasive Species - threat to biodiversity and economy

Answer 14

Invasive species jeopardize biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and causing economic losses in agriculture and other industries.

Question 15

Importance of Addressing Invasive Species - ecological balance at stake

Answer 15

Managing invasive species is essential for preserving ecological balance and preventing irreversible damage to natural habitats.

Question 16

Call to Action for Prevention and Control

Answer 16

• Early Detection and Reporting
• Strengthen Regulations
• Raise Public Awareness

Question 17

Call to Action for Prevention and Control - early detection and reporting

Answer 17

Encourage public involvement in early detection and reporting of invasive species.

Question 18

Call to Action for Prevention and Control - Strengthen Regulations

Answer 18

Advocate for robust regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Question 19

Call to Action for Prevention and Control - Raise Public Awareness

Answer 19

Promote awareness and education to engage communities in proactive efforts to prevent and control invasive species.