Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula; SLF) is an invasive phloem-feeder with significant impacts on vineyards, ornamentals, homeowners and the timber industry. SLF has spread rapidly in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states and is proving to be very difficult to manage. It changes hosts often through its lifecycle, moves frequently, and is difficult to detect at low populations. It has a strong preference for tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), especially as last instars and adults, but has a broad host range among common hardwood trees, many herbaceous plants, and vines. Despite its polyphagy, regulatory agencies have focused treatment efforts solely on A. altissima based on an assumption that it is a required host. We found that SLF can develop and reproduce without access to A. altissima, although fitness is reduced. At high densities, photosynthesis and carbohydrate concentrations decline, especially for maples, but A. altissima is better able to tolerate SLF feeding pressure. Learning how to set up experiments on impacts of feeding on tree health required a steep learning curve because of the unusual behaviors and host range breadth of this invasive species.
