Spotted Lanternflies and Climate Change: Will Warmer Temperatures Make Them More Prevalent?
Studies have shown that the Spotted Lanternfly has a lower cold tolerance than some other insect species, and can only survive in temperatures above -13°C (8.6°F). As temperatures warm, the range of the Spotted Lanternfly may expand, allowing it to spread into new areas and potentially causing more damage. A study in 2019 found that under current climate conditions, the Spotted Lanternfly is projected to continue expanding its range in the United States and could potentially reach as far north as Maine and as far west as Michigan by 2050. Other estimates show it may reach California by 2033.
In addition to the direct effects of temperature on the Spotted Lanternfly, climate change may also indirectly affect the species by altering the abundance and distribution of its host plants. For example, warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns may alter the timing of plant growth and flowering, which could affect the availability of food for the Spotted Lanternfly. This could potentially lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of the Spotted Lanternfly as well as its impact on agricultural crops and forests.
It is also worth noting that climate change is not the only factor that influences the distribution and prevalence of invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly. Human activities, such as the transport of goods and people, can also play a significant role in the spread of invasive species.
Warmer Temperatures May Help Spread The Spotted Lanternfly
The effects of climate change on spotted lanternflies in the US are not yet fully understood, as there is limited research on this specific topic. However, some studies suggest that warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change may have an impact on the life cycle, distribution, and abundance of spotted lanternflies.
Precipitation Rates can affect Spotted Lanternfly Survival
Changes in precipitation patterns may also have an impact on spotted lanternflies. Heavy rainfall events may wash away egg masses and nymphs, reducing their survival rate. However, warmer and drier conditions may lead to higher survival rates of spotted lanternflies, as they are better adapted to warmer and drier climates.
Climate Change Change Can Affect Spotted Lanternfly Host Plants
Furthermore, climate change may indirectly impact spotted lanternflies by affecting their host plants. For example, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may alter the timing and quality of plant growth and reproduction, which could in turn affect the availability and quality of food for spotted lanternflies.
In areas with warmer and wetter conditions, spotted lanternflies may have longer periods of time to reproduce and feed, potentially leading to larger populations and a greater likelihood of their survival and spread. Similarly, changes in the timing and intensity of seasonal weather patterns may disrupt the natural predators and parasites of spotted lanternflies, which could also contribute to their spread.
Global Trade and Travel Accelerates Spotted Lanternfly Spread
Additionally, the movement of spotted lanternflies and their eggs between regions and countries is facilitated by global trade and travel, which is likely to increase with climate change. As a result, there is a greater risk that spotted lanternflies could be introduced into new areas where they have not previously been found.
Climate Change Can Affect The Spotted Lanternflies Reproductive Cycle Timing
Another potential impact of climate change on spotted lanternflies is the alteration of their reproductive behavior. Spotted lanternflies typically lay their eggs in the fall, and the eggs overwinter before hatching in the spring. However, if warmer temperatures cause the timing of fall and spring to shift, this could lead to changes in the timing of the spotted lanternfly's reproductive cycle.
For example, if the onset of fall is delayed, spotted lanternflies may lay their eggs later in the season, which could affect the survival of the eggs and the resulting nymphs. Alternatively, if spring arrives earlier than usual, spotted lanternflies may emerge from their eggs earlier than expected, which could lead to a mismatch between their life cycle and the availability of suitable host plants.
Climate Change Can Affect Tree-Of-Heaven Distribution
Additionally, the distribution of spotted lanternflies could be affected by changes in the geographic range of their host plants. Some host plants of the spotted lanternfly, such as the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), are considered invasive species themselves and are known to thrive in disturbed areas such as urban environments. As climate change alters the distribution and abundance of plant species, the availability of suitable host plants for spotted lanternflies may also shift, which could affect their range and population size.