Lycorma-delicatula
Guides
Fulgoridae
lanternflies, lanthorn flies
Fulgoridae is a large family of planthoppers within the order Hemiptera, containing over 125 genera worldwide with exceptional diversity in tropical regions. Members range from moderate to large size and often exhibit brilliant, varied coloration that superficially resembles Lepidoptera. The family is commonly known as "lanternflies," a name derived from the historical misconception that the elongated head processes of some species could produce light. These insects possess piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem sap.
Ooencyrtus kuvanae
gypsy moth egg parasitoid, spongy moth egg parasitoid
Ooencyrtus kuvanae is a solitary egg parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally introduced to North America in 1908 for biological control of Lymantria moths. It has since become established as a natural enemy of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and has been documented parasitizing the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in North America. The species exhibits quasi-gregarious development, with females typically laying one offspring per host egg and adjusting sex ratios based on resource availability and local mate competition. Development from egg to adult takes 18–24 days, with males emerging approximately one day earlier than females.
Trichonephila clavata
Jorō spider, Joro Spider, Parachute spider
Trichonephila clavata, commonly known as the Jorō spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to East Asia that has become established as an invasive species in the southeastern United States since approximately 2010. First confirmed in Georgia in 2014, it has expanded rapidly across multiple states through a combination of ballooning dispersal and human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its substantial size, striking coloration, and extensive golden webs, but poses minimal risk to humans due to small fangs and docile behavior. Its physiological adaptations—including higher metabolic rate, faster heart rate, and greater cold tolerance than its congener Trichonephila clavipes—suggest potential for continued northward range expansion.
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