Efficacy of generalist predators of spotted lanternfly

Several different species of arthropods have been observed preying on spotted lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma delicatula), which has become a serious invasive species with significant economic impacts on the grape and ornamentals industries. We investigated the ability of a several generalist arthropod predators that were either commercially available or easily field-collected, for predation of each life stage of SLF. The most effective predators were spined soldier bugs (the predatory stink bug Podisus maculiventris), the Carolina praying mantis (Stagmomantis carolina), and the naturalized Chinese praying mantis (Tenodera sinensis). These predators significantly reduced SLF numbers of every life stage compared to controls, except eggs. As nymphs, P. maculiventris mass attacked SLF, reducing prey numbers from 25 to 0 within 3-6 days. Our results indicate that predation of SLF by generalist natural enemies shows promise as a means of helping to reduce SLF populations in the field. Next steps are to determine if P. maculiventris shows a functional and/or numerical response to increasing SLF densities; interestingly, we have observed eggs of P. maculiventris and egg cases of praying mantises increase in number where SLF populations are high. We also expect over time that several endemic predators will host switch to the abundant SLF food source as occurred with brown marmorated stink bug, offering opportunities to enhance generalist predator performance through conservation or perhaps even augmentation biocontrol.