Fontanez et al. 2024. Birds show neutral preference for spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, in a mix missing their red coloration
By Modesto Fontanez III (primary author), Daniela Korbeci, Ashlee Streete, Brendon Truex, Dr. Allyson Jackson
Abstract
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that feeds on the Tree of Heaven, itself an invasive species, develops aposematic coloring to warn predators of its potential toxins. However, the pest has no natural predators in the United States. In our study, we used a mixture of crushed spotted lanternflies and a separate mixture of crushed mealworms to test whether birds showed a preference when unable to see the lanternfly’s red warning coloration. Initially, the birds appeared to prefer the spotted lanternfly, but further observations revealed they were indifferent to it. This research paves the way for future studies to explore whether birds in different environments might respond differently.