Mapping the life-history, development, and survival of spotted lantern fly in occupied and uninvaded ranges

Abstract

The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a sap feeding pest native to southeast Asia that has become a global biosecurity threat following invasions into South Korea, Japan, and the United States in the last two decades. Environmental niche modelling has demonstrated considerable potential for further range expansions, including into Australia and Europe. Further analysis on the potential seasonal life-history and survival of this pest in its invasive range can inform monitoring programs and is a next step in biosecurity preparedness. Here, we incorporated eco-physiological information on the development and survival of SLF life stages across temperature regimes. Using gridded climatic data, we then mapped the developmental sequence of SLF across ranges already occupied in China, South Korea, and the United States, as well as uninvaded ranges in Australia and Europe. The model was able to capture global observations of the seasonal appearance of SLF and highlight regional and seasonal vulnerabilities in regions at risk of invasion. Policy makers can use these results to make science-based biosecurity decisions and target preparedness activities through improved life-history predictions in its invasive range.

lydemapr: an R package to track the spread of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, White 1845) (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae) in the United States

“…Several models have been developed to forecast the future spread and establishment potential of spotted lanternfly in the United States (Huron et al, 2022; Jones et al, 2022; Lewkiewicz et al, 2022; Wakie et al, 2020) and elsewhere (Jung et al, 2017; Maino et al, 2022). To ensure future models can be compared and combined through ensemble procedures, models should be based on the same historic and present spread data of spotted lanternfly.…”

Seasonal activity of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Southeast Pennsylvania

“…Current predictions of the potential spotted lanternfly geographic range have been based on their known distribution in cooler, more northern climates (Jung et al 2017, Namgung et al 2019, Wakie et al 2020, Maino et al 2021). At least one group of researchers, using data from these more northern geographic locations, suggested that there may be a lower latitude boundary for establishment due to the pest's intolerance to heat.…”

“…Several papers have been published that attempt to estimate the potential geographic range of spotted lanternfly in North America and around the world (Jung et al 2017, Namgung et al 2020, Wakie et al 2020, Maino et al 2021). Jung et al (2017) used CLIMEX software to generate an index of climatic suitability for SLF.…”

“…Jung et al (2017) used CLIMEX software to generate an index of climatic suitability for SLF. Maino et al (2021) conducted niche modeling using eco-physiological information on the spotted lanternfly to predict its potential to survive at any geographic location around the globe. Namgung et al (2020) used MAXENT to estimate the current geographic range of spotted lanternfly in South Korea.…”

In-Depth Analysis of Spotted Lanternfly Intrusion Patterns

“…There have been proposals encouraging the introduction of natural enemies from the insect's native environment: "Two parasitoid species have been discovered attacking spotted lanternfly, the attraction of A. orientalis to spotted lanternfly egg masses and successful rearing of these parasitoids make it a promising biological control agent." [10] This method seeks to leverage the evolutionary adaptations of predators and parasitoids coevolved with the SLF, creating a natural balance. While adopting this approach, meticulous consideration is crucial to prevent unintended ecological consequences, holding the potential for sustainable, long-term control.…”