PSU study reveals impact of invasive spotted lanternflies on trees, environment

Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — A recent study from Penn State on spotted lanternflies shows us how the invasive species is affecting the environment.

If you have ever seen one or a group of these lanternflies and wondered where they come from, or if they are dangerous? You were not the only one.

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences decided to investigate the impact they have on our environment.

Penn State Entomology Professor Kelli Hoover said there are a lot of questions surrounding these “weird looking” insects.

She says that they are mostly harmless, but when in big enough groups they can cause damage.

She also discussed what they saw when they let large groups feed on the same trees.

“We saw diameter growth drop by about half compared to the controls, the trees that had no insects, and then we also saw a decline in some important nutrients, photosynthesis, that type of stuff.”

Researchers say they also saw a reduction of starch in the roots of these trees. Dr. Hoover said that in a natural setting, they usually do not have that much of an impact. She also said that she is worried about weaker plants like grapevines.

“What vineyards are seeing when they have heavy populations of lanternflies is that they can kill their vines and they were trying to figure out why and it turns out the starch storage is like the bank.”

Dr. Hoover also gave some advice for residents trying to get rid of them on their own property.

“If you can get the egg masses, then get the egg masses, the problem is a lot of them are laid up in trees higher than you can reach or sometimes even see, so the best time to do it is after leaf drop and use binoculars and find as many as you can.”

Researchers noted that there was not a single tree that died from spotted lanternflies during the university’s four-year study.

Dr. Hoover says that they're now working on a study to find out what the main predators are for these spotted lanternflies.