Does Multiple Mating Help Spotted Lanternflies Spread?
Producing offspring from multiple fathers can add much-needed genetic diversity to populations of invasive insects, which often arise from a small number of individuals. New research confirms such multiple paternity occurs in spotted lanternflies, though to what degree it aids their spread needs further study.
Targeting Egg Masses in Winter Shows Promise for Spongy Moth Management
A new study evaluating pesticide effects on spongy moth egg masses shows the potential value in targeting the invasive pest in its dormant wintertime stage, before hungry larvae emerge.
Here We Go Again: Meet the Elm Zigzag Sawfly, Another Non-Native Forest Pest
The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is now established in several places in North America. This non-native forest pest can be a threat to elm species and hybrids and is capable of large defoliation events. Will it turn into a full-blown invasive species, or simply co-exist with native herbivores in natural and urban forests? At this point, we don't know. A new review highlights elm zigzag sawfly biology, ecology, and management strategies in the U.S.
How a Wasp and Geographic Data are Improving Surveillance for the Emerald Ash Borer
One of the best tools to detect emerald ash borer is a wasp that specializes in catching beetles. A new study compares the wasps' mix of prey with the mix of trees in nearby forests to estimate the wasp's foraging range—and thus determine where emerald ash borer may be present when the wasps are found with it.