Investigation of Plant Associations of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) Across Developmental Stages using iNaturalist Photographs Sourced from the New York City Metropolitan Area1

Host use pattern of phytophagous insects differs based on insect life stage. Spatial and temporal differences in nutritional requirements, morphology, and plant availability contribute to variations in polyphagous insect plant use pattern. In the case of invasive, polyphagous insects, such as the spotted lanternfly [Lycorma delicatula (White); Hemiptera: Fulgoridae], study of plant use across the insect life cycle is key to understanding the insects' potential to cause damage. Using over 400 photographic observations of the spotted lanternfly taken in the New York City metropolitan area and shared on iNaturalist, we extracted plant taxonomic information and determined that eggs are the least likely stage to be present on the tree of heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle; Simaroubaceae] compared to species including cherry [Prunus spp. (L.); Rosaceae] and maple [Acer spp. (Juss.); Sapindaceae]. Adults were positively associated, whereas nymphs were negatively associated with being present on woody plant tissues like trunks and branches. The majority of images in the data set depicted insect presence on the tree of heaven for the adult and nymphal stages, but birch [Betula spp. (L.); Betulaceae] or cherry plants were the most represented for the egg stage. This study displays the value of using community science generated data from iNaturalist in assessing insect-plant interactions and furthering the ecological knowledge of an invasive species. In combination with other evidence, this work could assist in the development of pest management strategies.