Climate change is affecting the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Climate change is affecting the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

By: Marisol Vazquez

Figure 1. The following graphs display four lanternfly population dynamics of (Lycorma delicatula). Graph A demonstrates the developmental rates of mobile insects and egg activity increase with rising temperatures. Graph B shows the rate of diapause, a state of suspended insect development, which increases at ideal temperatures but slows down with temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius. Graph C demonstrates the mortality rate. Graph D shows the rapid decrease of Lycorma delicatula eggs as you move further away from where the egg-laying occurred.

Figure taken from Lewkiewics et al 2024

Since 2014, the spotted lanternfly, originally from China, has caused significant concern to farmers and ecologists. The invasive pest is responsible for extensive damage to crops across the United States. In addition, climate change is causing long-term changes to the earth's weather patterns caused by human activity. The temperature variability also impacts the delicate balance in our environment, posing new challenges to our agriculture with the establishment, spread, and survival of the spotted lanternfly, as it is for most insects. The unpredictable temperature swings caused by climate change, such as long periods of extreme heat, accelerate the growth and spread of the spotted lanternfly. Alternatively, as cold periods become shorter, it is easier for the spotted lanternfly to find new habitats that were originally colder, inhibiting their survival. Recognizing and reporting infestations is critical to managing the spread of the pest. To protect our agricultural industries and environment, it is crucial to innovatively develop strategies to adjust to the evolving nature of our climate. Protecting our agricultural resources from the spotted lanternfly can prevent damaging crops, vineyards, and biodiversity to support environmental sustainability. 

Original article

Lewkiewics SM, Seibold B, Helmus MR. 2024. Quantifying population resistance to climatic variability: The invasive spotted lanternfly grape pest is buffered against temperature extremes in California. Ecological modeling. [accessed 2024 September 3]; 497(110841) HTTP://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110841. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110841