Developing Traps for the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Invasive Species Management
• Pest Control

Background:

• The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species in the United States.
• Current sticky band traps are inefficient, messy, and can be evaded by larger nymphs and adults.
• Existing methods require frequent replacement and capture non-target insects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel circle trunk trap design for capturing spotted lanternflies.
• To compare the performance of circle trunk traps against commercially available BugBarrier bands and flight intercept traps.
• To assess trap placement strategies in relation to host plants like Ailanthus altissima.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of circle trunk traps (modified pecan weevil traps) with BugBarrier tree bands.
• Evaluation of flight intercept traps.
• Assessment of trap placement along host plant edges versus open fields.
• Quantification of captured Lycorma delicatula across different life stages and trap types.

Main Results:

• Circle trunk traps captured significantly more third and fourth instar nymphs and adult spotted lanternflies than BugBarrier bands.
• Flight intercept traps captured fewer adult spotted lanternflies compared to trunk-based tree bands.
• Adhesive traps placed along Ailanthus altissima edges were more effective than those in open fields.

Conclusions:

• Circle trunk traps are a recommended, effective, and reusable method for controlling Lycorma delicatula populations.
• The novel trap design offers advantages in ease-of-use and reduced maintenance compared to traditional sticky bands.
• Strategic placement of traps near host plants enhances capture rates for invasive species management.