Californian grapevines are being threatened by a polka-dotted, inch-long insect known as the spotted lanternfly.
Researchers from North Carolina State University used simulation tools to determine how far the invasive spotted lampanfly could spread in the United States, according to a study published Wednesday by the journal Communications Biology.
According to the study, the spotted lanternfly could spread quickly to California without any intervention. It could potentially kill crops in California’s wine region. The spotted lanternfly could spread to almost all of the country if preventative measures are not taken.
Lycorma delicatula, or the spotted lanternfly, is an invasive species that lives in China. It suckers sap from plants and crops, most notably grapes and almonds. Honeydew is a sticky substance that spotted lanternflies produce when they eat. This residue can attract other insects, as well as make mold.
Spotted lanternflies first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. They were later found in more than a dozen other states.
This analysis is being done at a time many states are trying to stop the spread of invasive species such as the spotted lanternfly.
Chris Jones, the study’s lead author, is a North Carolina State University Center for Geospatial Analytics scholar. He stated in a Wednesday news release that he hopes the findings will help federal and state officials to implement measures to protect grapes.
Jones stated that Jones hoped this would help pest managers plan. “If they can begin early surveillance or treat as soon as the spotted lampanfly arrives, it will slow down the spread to other areas.”
