Yes, Birds Do Eat Lanternflies

Yes, birds do eat lanternflies, and certain bird species have been observed feeding on spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula), particularly during the nymph and adult stages. While birds are not the primary natural control for these invasive insects, some avian predators—including native songbirds such as blue jays, catbirds, and even chickens—have shown interest in consuming them. This behavior is part of a growing area of interest among ecologists studying biological controls for the spread of spotted lanternflies, an invasive pest threatening orchards, vineyards, and forests across the northeastern United States. Understanding do birds eat lanternflies offers valuable insight into natural predation patterns and potential ecological management strategies.

Understanding the Spotted Lanternfly: An Invasive Threat

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper native to parts of China, India, and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014. Since then, it has rapidly spread across several states including New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The insect feeds primarily on the sap of over 70 plant species, with a strong preference for the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also targeting economically important crops like grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees.

Lanternflies damage plants by piercing stems and leaves to extract sap, excreting large amounts of sticky honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth, which in turn inhibits photosynthesis. Their presence poses a serious threat to agriculture and forestry industries, prompting state and federal agencies to launch eradication and containment programs.

Birds as Natural Predators: Which Species Eat Lanternflies?

While the spotted lanternfly has few natural enemies in North America, observations and preliminary studies suggest that some bird species will consume them. Birds known or suspected to eat lanternflies include:

• American Robins – Often seen foraging on lawns and in shrubs, robins may pick off younger lanternfly nymphs.
• Blue Jays – These intelligent, omnivorous birds have been documented eating both nymphs and adults.
• Gray Catbirds – Found in dense thickets, they appear curious about lanternflies and may consume them opportunistically.
• Chickens and Domesticated Fowl – Backyard chickens readily peck at lanternflies when encountered, making them effective mini-control agents in rural or suburban areas.
• Nuthatches and Woodpeckers – These bark-foraging birds may feed on egg masses or young nymphs hiding on tree trunks.

It's important to note that while birds do eat lanternflies, they are not considered a sufficient standalone solution for population control. Most birds do not actively seek out lanternflies as a preferred food source, and consumption appears opportunistic rather than habitual.

Do All Birds Eat Lanternflies? Factors Influencing Avian Predation

Not all bird species consume lanternflies, and several factors influence whether a bird will eat one:

1. Taste and Toxicity: Some evidence suggests that lanternflies may become distasteful to predators after feeding on certain host plants, particularly the tree of heaven, which contains toxic compounds. This chemical defense could make lanternflies less palatable to birds.
2. Life Stage: Younger instar nymphs (small, black with white spots) are more likely to be eaten than older, red-phase nymphs or winged adults, which may be avoided due to their size, movement, or appearance.
3. Habitat Overlap: Birds that frequent areas where lanternflies congregate—such as forest edges, agricultural zones, and suburban gardens—are more likely to encounter and consume them.
4. Seasonal Availability: Lanternflies are most active from late spring through fall, peaking in late summer and early autumn. Bird predation tends to align with this seasonal pattern.

Scientific Research on Bird-Lanternfly Interactions

Research into avian predation on spotted lanternflies is still emerging. A 2022 study conducted by researchers at Penn State University used camera traps and field observations to document bird interactions with lanternflies. The results showed that while many birds approached lanternflies, only a subset actually consumed them. Blue jays were among the most frequent consumers, followed by robins and catbirds.

Another line of inquiry involves examining bird droppings and stomach contents to detect lanternfly DNA. Preliminary findings from such studies confirm that some wild birds do ingest lanternflies, though the frequency remains low compared to other insect prey.

Scientists caution against overestimating birds’ role in controlling lanternfly populations. As one researcher noted, “While it’s encouraging that some birds eat spotted lanternflies, we can’t rely on natural predation alone to stop their spread.”

Can Birds Help Control Lanternfly Infestations?

The short answer is: partially, but not completely. Birds contribute to localized reduction in lanternfly numbers, especially in residential or small-scale agricultural settings. However, their impact is limited by several factors:

• Birds do not consume enough lanternflies to significantly reduce population growth.
• Lanternflies reproduce rapidly—one female can lay up to 50 eggs per mass and produce multiple egg masses in her lifetime.
• Egg masses are laid on hard surfaces (trees, stones, vehicles) and are not easily accessible to most birds.
• No known bird species specializes in hunting lanternflies, meaning predation is incidental rather than targeted.

Therefore, while encouraging bird activity in your yard may help somewhat, it should be combined with other control methods such as physical removal, insecticides, and host plant management.

How to Encourage Birds That May Eat Lanternflies

If you're interested in promoting natural predation in your garden or orchard, consider these practical steps:

• Install Native Plants: Attract insect-eating birds by planting native shrubs and trees that support biodiversity.
• Provide Water Sources: Birdbaths or small ponds attract birds year-round.
• Use Nest Boxes: Install nest boxes suitable for cavity-nesting species like chickadees or nuthatches.
• Avoid Pesticides: Broad-spectrum insecticides can harm beneficial insects and deter birds from feeding in treated areas.
• Allow Free-Range Chickens: If permitted locally, allowing poultry to roam near infested areas can reduce lanternfly numbers.

Keep in mind that while birds may assist in reducing lanternfly pressure, they should be viewed as one component of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.

Common Misconceptions About Birds and Lanternflies

Several myths persist about bird-lanternfly interactions:

• Misconception 1: All birds eat lanternflies. Reality: Only certain species show any interest, and even then, consumption is inconsistent.
• Misconception 2: Birds will eliminate lanternflies naturally. Reality: Without human intervention, lanternfly populations continue to expand despite avian predation.
• Misconception 3: Feeding birds will increase lanternfly consumption. Reality: Supplemental feeding does not train birds to target specific pests like lanternflies.
• Misconception 4: Lanternflies are toxic to birds. Reality: There is no conclusive evidence that lanternflies poison birds, though taste deterrents may reduce consumption.

Regional Differences in Bird Predation on Lanternflies

The extent to which birds eat lanternflies varies by region. In heavily infested areas like southeastern Pennsylvania, increased sightings of birds feeding on lanternflies have been reported. In contrast, newly invaded regions such as parts of New England or the Midwest show fewer observations, possibly due to lower lanternfly density or unfamiliarity among local bird populations.

Urban versus rural environments also play a role. Suburban backyards with bird feeders and gardens tend to report more bird-lanternfly encounters than dense woodlands or agricultural monocultures.

Bird Species	Observed Eating Lanternflies?	Life Stage Consumed	Notes
American Robin	Yes (occasionally)	Nymphs	Forages on ground and low vegetation
Blue Jay	Yes (frequently observed)	Nymphs and Adults	Omnivorous; bold and curious
Gray Catbird	Yes (occasionally)	Nymphs	Frequents shrubby habitats
Chicken	Yes (commonly)	All mobile stages	Effective in backyard settings
Woodpecker	Possible (indirect)	Egg masses (rarely)	May flake off egg masses while foraging

What You Can Do: Practical Tips for Homeowners and Farmers

If you’re dealing with a lanternfly infestation, here’s how to combine bird-friendly practices with effective control:

1. Scrape Egg Masses: Use a plastic card to remove egg masses from trees, rocks, or outdoor furniture between winter and early spring.
2. Use Tree Bands: Wrap sticky bands around tree trunks to trap nymphs climbing upward.
3. Report Sightings: Notify your state department of agriculture if you spot lanternflies outside quarantined zones.
4. Encourage Biodiversity: Support healthy ecosystems where birds and other natural predators can thrive.
5. Monitor Host Plants: Inspect tree of heaven, grapevines, and fruit trees regularly for signs of lanternflies.

Looking Ahead: Future Research and Ecological Solutions

As the spotted lanternfly continues to spread, scientists are exploring various biocontrol methods, including introducing specialized parasitic wasps from Asia (under strict regulatory review). Meanwhile, understanding the role of native predators like birds remains crucial.

Future research may focus on whether birds can be conditioned or incentivized to target lanternflies more consistently, or whether certain habitats promote higher predation rates. Citizen science efforts—such as reporting bird-lanternfly interactions via apps like iNaturalist—can also contribute valuable data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do birds eat spotted lanternflies?

Yes, some bird species including blue jays, robins, and chickens have been observed eating spotted lanternflies, primarily during the nymph stage.

Are lanternflies dangerous to birds?

There is no evidence that lanternflies are toxic to birds. However, their taste may vary depending on the host plant they’ve fed on, potentially making them less appealing.

Can I rely on birds to control lanternflies in my yard?

No. While birds may eat some lanternflies, they cannot control infestations alone. Combine bird activity with manual removal and other IPM techniques.

What time of year do birds eat lanternflies?

Bird predation occurs mainly from May through October, when lanternfly nymphs and adults are active.

Will putting out bird feeders attract lanternfly-eating birds?

Bird feeders attract generalist species, but there’s no guarantee they’ll target lanternflies. Focus on habitat enhancement instead of supplemental feeding.