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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Kearneysville, West Virginia » Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory » Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413453
Research Project: Integrated Production and Automation Systems for Temperate Fruit Crops

Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection

Title: Experimental evidence supports the capability of the invasive spotted lanternfly to hitchhike on vehicle exteriors as mechanism for anthropogenic dispersal

Author
item ELSENSOHN, JOHANNA - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item Wolford, Scott
item Tabb, Amy
item Leskey, Tracy

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Royal Society. B. Biological Sciences
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Invasive insects can be introduced into new areas by hitchhiking on motorized vehicles. However, no studies have ever attempted to address this means of invasive insect movement. Here, we developed a laminar flow wind machine to direct air at a sports utility vehicle and used the invasive spotted lanternfly as our model organism. We found that nymphal stages and adults could cling to some vehicle locations even at the highest wind speed. Locations evaluated include the hood, side panel, windshield, wipers and cowl panel. Our results provide a template to better estimate this type of invasive insect movement and can be useful in predicting spread.

Technical Abstract: Historically, anecdotal observations support the likelihood of human-assisted invasive insect dispersal to new environments. No previous studies have investigated insect travel capability on vehicle exteriors; however, this information is critical for prioritizing research, mitigation activities, and understanding anthropogenic effects on biotic communities. Lycorma delicatula (White), spotted lanternfly (SLF), an insect whose range is currently expanding throughout the United States, is commonly observed in urban settings and near transportation hubs. We developed a novel method to test SLF’s ability to remain on vehicle surfaces including the hood, side panel, windshield, wipers, and cowl panel using laminar flow wind from 0–105 km/h. We found all mobile life stages (nymphs and adults) could remain on the vehicle up to 105 km/h. First instar nymphs and early season adults remained attached at significantly higher wind speeds than other life stages. A brief acclimation period prior to wind delivery increased attachment duration for all life stages except later-season adults. The importance of outliers in the success of invasive species is profound; any mobile SLF life stage can travel on vehicles and potentially establish populations in new areas. This methodology will be useful for exploring human-assisted dispersal of other invasive arthropods.