When walking around Grounds, the evidence is unmistakable, scattered on every walkway or path. Besides being a cleaning hassle, this reveals a much more serious issue at hand that extends beyond the University: lanternflies.
Spotted lanternflies, or Lycorma delicatula, are an invasive species that have established their place as being one of the most prominent pests around the country. Originally native to Asia, lanternflies have been “expanding [their] range in Virginia” since 2018 and pose a significant threat to local wildlife, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Lanternflies are distinguishable by their black spots and bright red wings (USDA). Ironically, the lanternflies tend to feast the most on another invasive species—the tree of heaven, or Ailanthus altissima. Also originating from China, the tree of heaven has been spreading throughout North America since its introduction in the 1700s.
But what is the problem with invasive species? As a result of being non-native, invasive species tend to spread rapidly and wreak havoc on the habitats being encroached upon. According to The Nature Conservancy, the tree of heaven threatens ecosystems “because it reproduces very quickly and aggressively inhibits…native plants near it” and its excessive seeds overpower any native flora. Users on various Reddit posts have expressed frustration when dealing with the plant due to its stubborn nature and fast growth. One comment attested to the tree of heaven being “home to most of the lantern flies destroying nyc trees and surrounding areas.” The adverse effects of lanternflies include the weakening of its host plants, which, if left untreated, causes these plants to eventually die. Information from the USDA notes that lanternflies produce a sticky coating known as honeydew that leads to other insect infestations and mold growth—things that are not conducive to the host plants’ health. Thus, lanternflies interrupt the natural food chain as well because other organisms who depend on plants lose a resource. Furthermore, lanternflies “hitchhike” on other organisms, so where there is one, there are usually many more in hiding.
The question remains of what can we actually do to mitigate the fast-spreading lanternflies? Well, not much, says UVA Today. Unfortunately, the lanternfly has no known predators or parasites, to keep the population down. Therefore, scientists have to look towards other methods—although none have yet proved to be the ultimate solution. Chemical means of extermination, such as pesticides, have the downside of harming other species and not just lanternflies. Additionally, sticky traps capture small animals instead of their intended target.
Consequently, the most common control strategy has been the most simple: “squash lanternflies on sight.” Dubbed as a slogan for harm reduction, this saying urges people to take action against these insects. While this method is not perfect— “killing them won’t eradicate the pest, [but] it can help slow their spread”— it ends up being the least destructive to the surrounding environment, compared to pesticides or sticky traps. The “squash on site” campaign has been successful in picking up speed and people have quickly taken to stepping on lanternflies (and their eggs) whenever possible. This initiative is shown by the lanternfly carcasses that have decorated Grounds since the start of classes. UVA Today has noted that another more holistic approach is placing nets around the host trees to trap the lanternflies inside, but “squash on site” has definitely proven to be effective as well.
Though the spotted lanternfly may seem like any other annoying insect, its negative and widespread impact on ecosystems is substantial. Lanternflies weaken and disrupt native species with not just their presence but also the secretion left behind. With growing public awareness about how imperative it is to minimize lanternfly populations, small actions such as stomping add up. If anything, the fight against lanternflies has taught many, including myself, that helping the environment out can be as simple as stepping on a bug.
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