Wheel bug for spotted lanternfly
In Penn State's 'Birds Biting Bad Bugs' citizen-science project, residents sent in 660 photos and observations of predators eating spotted lanternflies. Praying mantises were reported most often, and wheel bugs were named among the strong contenders, with yellow jackets, orbweaver spiders and ants. The researchers say more work is needed to show whether native predators affect lanternfly numbers, so keep scraping egg masses and using the other controls.
Before you act
The largest assassin bug in North America, up to 1½ inches long, and easy to recognise by the toothed crest like half a cogwheel on its back. It takes prey as big as Japanese beetles and stink bugs. It is not aggressive, but its bite is painful for several minutes, so admire it without picking it up. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Wheel bug profile.
Other controls for spotted lanternfly
- Praying mantisWild generalist predator · Wild — conserve; buying egg cases is not a lanternfly control