Invasive spotted lanternflies thrive in cities

Warm cities may provide the best conditions for the spread of invasive lanternflies.

Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula), native to Asia, first arrived in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania.

They have since spread across the Northeast and into the Midwest and Southeast. Scientists tapped into the citizen science platform iNaturalist to learn more about why the insects are doing so well in New York City.

“Cities tend to have milder winters, creating favorable conditions for species that otherwise would only be able to live in hot, tropical climates,” said Kristin Winchell, an assistant professor of biology at New York University who studies ecology and evolution in urban environments, in a press release.

“Cities are also highly connected places where trade happens, and organisms may end up on shipments in planes or boats traveling between cities.”

After looking at nearly 20,000 photos of lanternflies taken between 2014 and 2022, the team found that nymph and adult lanternflies were showing up earlier each year and remaining active later.

This longer active time means more time to reproduce and spread, Winchell said. Winchell and her colleagues hope this information can help with monitoring and mitigation of spotted lanternflies and other invasive species.

This article was first published by The Wildlife Society on 5 December 2024. Lead Image: Warm climates in cities are aiding in the spread of spotted lanternflies, researchers say. Credit: Rafael Baez, NYU.

What you can do

Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute.