Sequestration of plant defenses by spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and effects on avian predators.

ABSTRACT: Lycorma delicatula is a polyphagous phloem feeder, which is spreading rapidly in the U.S., and is a major threat to grapes, hops, and ornamentals. Among its hosts, L. delicatula prefers Ailanthus altissima, an invasive tree from which it sequesters toxins, including several quassinoid compounds. We tested how these defenses affected predation by birds of nymphal and adult L. delicatula. Freeze-killed nymphs of each instar were reared with or without access to A. altissima and placed into cups on top of nest boxes occupied by house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). House wrens ate or fed their chicks a greater proportion of L. delicatula nymphs that had not had access to A. altissima than the nymphs that had access to this host plant. Adult L. delicatula reared with or without access to A. altissi

SUBMITTER: Johnson AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546476 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature