7 of the Most Destructive Invasive Insects

[Michie]

Insects aren’t the biggest or most intimidating invasive animals, but they’re among the most destructive. Many invasive insect species ravage important trees and crops, adding up to billions of dollars in losses. Without natural predators, diseases, and other pressures from their native environments to keep them in check, their populations can explode to catastrophic numbers. They may be small, but these insects have caused serious damage since invading the U.S.

1. SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FLICKR // PUBLIC DOMAIN

A relative newcomer, the spotted lanternfly arrived in the U.S. from northern China in 2014. Since its discovery in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the insect species has spread to neighboring states in the mid-Atlantic. It’s known for its large, black-spotted gray wings and its destructive behavior. Spotted lanternflies eat sap from more than 70 different plant species, including important crops like grapevines, maple trees, and black walnut trees. Lanternflies can lay up to 200 egg masses on one host plant, and the bugs’ sugary secretions have been known to promote mold growth. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the insect could cost the state $324 million a year if it isn’t controlled.

Continued below.
7 of the Most Destructive Invasive Insects

 

[Joyous Song]

Insects aren’t the biggest or most intimidating invasive animals, but they’re among the most destructive. Many invasive insect species ravage important trees and crops, adding up to billions of dollars in losses. Without natural predators, diseases, and other pressures from their native environments to keep them in check, their populations can explode to catastrophic numbers. They may be small, but these insects have caused serious damage since invading the U.S.

1. SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FLICKR // PUBLIC DOMAIN

A relative newcomer, the spotted lanternfly arrived in the U.S. from northern China in 2014. Since its discovery in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the insect species has spread to neighboring states in the mid-Atlantic. It’s known for its large, black-spotted gray wings and its destructive behavior. Spotted lanternflies eat sap from more than 70 different plant species, including important crops like grapevines, maple trees, and black walnut trees. Lanternflies can lay up to 200 egg masses on one host plant, and the bugs’ sugary secretions have been known to promote mold growth. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the insect could cost the state $324 million a year if it isn’t controlled.

Continued below.
7 of the Most Destructive Invasive Insects

JS: familiar with most of them. That why I love birds and predatory wasps!