Development of rearing methodology for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

Lycorma delicatula , White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), spotted lanternfly, is a univoltine, phloem-feeding, polyphagous and invasive insect in the USA. Although primary host for this species Ailanthus altissima tree of heaven, L. also feeds on wide range hosts important to USA including cultivated grapevines. Due need classical or augmentative biological control programs reduce impacts across invaded areas, we developed laboratory-based rearing protocol species. Here, evaluated use A. apical meristems, epicormic shoots, fresh foliage cut from as food source newly hatched . On these sources plant material <20% into adults no oviposition occurred. However, when young, potted trees were used source, >50% nymphs adult stage under natural daylengths temperatures ranging 20–25°C. The addition wild grapevine, Vitis riparia did not increase survivorship development time. To elicit mating oviposition, provided with logs an substrate maintained shortened reduced nighttime (12L:12D 24°C:13°C). This resulted 2.12 egg masses deposited per female, which was 4× more than standard conditions (16L:8D 25°C). Based experiments, present reliably laboratory and/or greenhouse conditions.