Bats Discovered Eating Spotted Lanternflies: A New Predator Emerges

The Spotted Lanternfly Problem

• 😩 The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that causes significant damage to plants, trees, and crops.
• 📈 These pests will continue to grow and inflict more damage throughout the summer.
• 🥀 Plants, like the roses in Hamilton Park, struggle and weaken due to the presence of spotted lanternflies, which have few natural enemies.

Citizen Science and Pest Control

• 💡 Milan Zoo, a high school student, shared her theory on the most effective way to kill spotted lanternflies: attacking them from the front to prevent escape.
• 🧑‍🔬 Megan Wagner, head of horticulture, highlighted the struggle of plants due to the lanternflies' impact.

A Surprising New Predator

• 🦇 A groundbreaking discovery reveals that bats are now preying on spotted lanternflies.
• 🔬 Researchers at Rutgers are studying this phenomenon by capturing bats, collecting guano, and analyzing their diet.
• 🌎 This finding is significant as it's the first time worldwide that bats have been observed eating spotted lanternflies.

Bats as Agricultural Allies

• 💰 Bats are crucial for the agriculture industry, saving billions by controlling insect populations.
• ✅ The new finding suggests bats are becoming a valuable ally in combating the invasive spotted lanternfly.
• 🙏 The emergence of a natural predator in the United States is welcome news for controlling this pest.