The Spotted Lanternfly is a non-native species in parts of the U.S. that hails from China.
It was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has continued to spread to other states.
This planthopper is believed to have originally arrived here by way of shipments from China.
Since they did not have native predators here in the U.S., for a period of time, the Lanternflies’ invasion seemed uncontrollable.
Since that time, entomologists have researched these planthoppers and determined that a few predators that exist here may help.
So, what eats a Spotted Lanternfly?
At the top of the list is chicken and praying mantis, along with catbirds and cardinals among other birds on the list.
Then, garden spiders, wheel bugs, ants, hornets, and yellow jackets are just some of the insects that will consume Spotted Lanternflies.
There are also other animals that will eat a Spotted Lanternfly, such as Koi fish, ducks, snakes, and green frogs, for example.
Spotted Lanternfly Predators
Since their introduction, Spotted Lanternflies have done a great deal of damage to many species of trees, ornamentals and shrubs.
Let’s check out how these predators are helping to remove these annoying pests.
Praying Mantis
Praying mantis appears to be the sworn enemy of Spotted Lanternflies.
It helps that they can be found in the same locations.
The bright green color of the praying mantis serves as a great camouflage when it simply sits or hangs on a leaf.
This makes it troublesome for a Lanternfly to detect one, once it is busy sucking sap.
The praying mantis is one predator with patience, taking its time until the prey arrives.
Once ready to make its move, it does so at lightning speed, capturing the pest with its spiked front legs.
It uses its sharp mandibles to consume the Lanternfly, which will slice through the flesh with no issue.
Both adult Lanternflies and nymphs will suffer this fate.
Fun Fact, the chances of the Lanternfly escaping the praying mantis is slim to none, it usually hops more than it flies.
Chicken
People in areas that Spotted Lanternflies have invaded report that, yes, chickens do indeed eat them.
The chickens will peck them with their beaks and quickly swallow them whole if they are larger chickens.
The younger chickens will also feed on the nymphs in the same manner.
That being said, the chickens preferred to eat Lanternflies feeding on other trees instead of the tree of heaven.
This is probably because the sap of the tree of heaven is bitter and affects the Lanternflies’ taste.
Garden Spiders
Due to their shared habitat, garden spiders also prey upon the Spotted Lanternfly.
They capture the bugs using their round webs.
After they have taken one down, they inject the Lanternflies with venom to paralyze them.
Then, they wrap them in silk so they can eat them right away or on their next meal.
Wheel Bugs
Wheel bugs, sometimes called “assassin bugs,” are also contributing to the fight against Spotted Lanternflies.
They also consume other insects, for example, moths, cabbage worms, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars.
This predation benefits the trees, shrubbery, and meadows in which they reside.
The wheel bug catches the spotted Lanternfly with their front legs and holds it until it dies.
The wheel bug also consumes the planthopper by draining out its insides with its beak that goes through the bugs flesh.
Garter Snakes
Snakes are typically associated with feeding on rodents and fish, but they will also consume insects.
Garter snakes have been observed feeding on the Spotted Lanternflies.
They catch them in their jaws and swallow them whole, just like any other prey.
Snakes will have no trouble finding Lanternflies, which are in gardens and other green spaces.
Gray Catbirds
Catbirds establish their residences in dense brush, shrubs, and gardens.
They consume a wide variety of insects, spiders, spiders, larvae, berries, and small fruits.
This means that catbirds have a good chance to encounter spotted Lanternflies.
Similar to chickens: the catbirds will capture the Lanternflies with their beaks. The birds consume both adult and nymph Lanternflies, sometimes even finishing a complete brood on a tree in the nymph stage all at once.
Yellow Jackets
In China and other Asian nations, wasps are the classical native predators of the Spotted Lanternflies.
However, those species are not found in the U.S.
In the United States, yellowjackets are the wasps observed to prey on the Lanternflies. Yellowjackets are predatory social wasps that have a potent sting.
Yellowjackets are typically smaller than other wasps but are more aggressive.
You can find yellow jackets in their colonies between walls or hollow logs and they are attracted to sweet things that include fruits and nectar
They also really enjoy sap from leaves, and they will also feed on caterpillars, small insects, and grubs.
Yellowjackets prey on the Spotted Lanternflies, literally stinging the Lanternfly with venom which immobilizes them instantly.
They then use their mandibles to feed on the live Lanternfly. Hornets, which are also a wasp, have been observed feeding on Spotted Lanternflies.
Koi Fish
Koi fish are decorative fish that you will see in ponds and water gardens.
They are sizeable fish, reaching lengths of about two or three feet.
Koi fish are omnivores or simply put, they are comfortable eating rice and shrimp.
Thus, when a Spotted Lanternfly wanders into the pond, Koi fish eat them.
Green Tree Frogs
Green tree frogs are carnivores that feed on insects and other animals.
Their prey includes:
- locusts
- crickets
- moths
- spiders
- lizards
- snails
- and many more
These frogs also like feeding on Spotted Lanternflies.
Wrapping Up
Since the Spotted Lanternflies have made their way to the U.S, the above predators have discovered them and begun capturing them.
While they help get rid of the Lanternflies, they still are not able to get a handle on them.
Entomologists and arborists are still trying to find the best method to get rid of the planthoppers.
So while the predators can be relied upon to feed on the Spotted Lanternflies, you should try other control measures too.
Such measures include stomping them, capturing them in bottles, and placing tape around the tree, and you can also contact your local authorities to receive professional help.