Life Sciences Commons^™

Insect Floral Visitors Of Red Maple And Tree-Of-Heaven At Potential Risk Of Neonicotinoid Residue Exposure From Spotted Lanternfly Control, Jonathan Elmquist, Kelli Hoover, David Biddinger

The Great Lakes Entomologist

To manage spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula (White)), an invasive planthopper recently introduced to the United States, governmental agencies, homeowners, and landscape professionals may treat its host plants with systemic neonicotinoid insecticides. Neonicotinoids can be harmful to non-target insect floral visitors collecting pollen or nectar. The insect floral visitors of red maple (Acer rubrum L.) or tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.), which are two of the preferred hosts of L. delicatula in Pennsylvania, are often targeted with neonicotinoid applications for control of this pest. To identify the floral visitors of these tree species, we conducted observations and collections of …