Predation of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)

Prey often employ specialized methods of defense against predation, including chemical, physical, and behavioral defenses. However, when prey are introduced to new environments with previously unfamiliar predators, their defense mechanisms may or may not be effective. Highly effective defenses in new environments may contribute to the spread and impacts of introduced species, whereas the breakdown of prey defense may present opportunities for biological control. Spotted lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma delicatula; Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) have striking aposematic coloration, powerful jumping reflexes, and contain alkaloid defenses in their native China. SLF have spread rapidly in the mid-Atlantic region since their introduction. Few incidences of SLF predation by native predators have been reported, but the contribution of specific defenses to these patterns is currently unknown. Three complementary studies were conducted to examine SLF defenses in their introduced range: (1) plasticine models were used to examine aposematic coloration; (2) thin layer chromatography of SLF extracts was used to assay for the presence of ajmalicine and ailanthone, cytotoxins reported from Chinese and Korean populations, respectively; and (3) mesocosm predation experiments were used to assess the efficacy of the jumping reflex and other unknown defenses on actual prey capture. The plasticine models contained markings consistent with avian predation, the Pennsylvania population was found to not contain ajmalicine, and green lacewing larvae and Chinese mantises did consume SLF nymphs in mesocosm experiments. This research points to the potential for native natural enemies to attack and consume SLF in its introduced range despite their formidable suite of innate defenses.